HC Deb 04 February 1931 vol 247 c1808
46. Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to state the policy of the Government as regards cereal agriculture?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer given by the Prime Minister on Monday of last week to a question by the Noble Lord the Memlber for Aldershot (Viscount Wolmer) on this subject, to which I have nothing to add.

Sir A. STEEL - MAITLAND

Can neither the Prime Minister nor the Minister of Agriculture give any indication as to when the policy will be made public?

Dr. ADDISON

The Prime Minister, in his reply to the question to which I have referred, a copy of which I will send to the right hon. Gentleman, answered quite explicitly that when we are ready to make an announcement we shall do so.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be ready to make an announcement, in view of the very short number of weeks that remain for farmers to determine what sort of crops they will put in?

Dr. ADDISON

I am fully aware of that fact, and I am taking all those matters into consideration.

Viscountess ASTOR

As there is no Labour policy, will it be a Liberal policy?

Dr. ADDISON

The policy of the Labour party is before the House to-day.