HC Deb 26 January 1931 vol 247 cc604-5
46. Viscount WOLMER

asked the Prime Minister if he can state when he will be in a position to announce the steps which he proposes to take to implement his pledge, given on 1st August last, that as soon as the conclusions of the Imperial Conference are known the Government will undertake whatever practical steps can be devised to put cereal growing in this country on an economic foundation?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

Not at the moment.

Viscount WOLMER

Is the Prime Minister not aware that the weeks are passing, the next season will be upon us in a very short time: how long is he going to keep the farmers waiting?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am perfectly well aware of that fact, and during the time the late Government were in office I pressed for five years for something of the same kind. If the Noble Lord will allow me to tell him when I am ready, he can then put down a question, and I will answer it.

Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND

May I ask whether the Prime Minister will be able to give an answer before March, which is the latest date possible for farmers to make their plans for the season?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should think so.

Mr. de ROTHSCHILD

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea when this will be? So many promises have been made. [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] I should like to know when the last promise made by the Prime Minister will be implemented?

The PRIME MINISTER

If the hon. Member will give me notice, I will answer the question.

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