§ 31. Sir R. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the extremely serious position of the farmers in the North-east of Scotland has been brought to the notice of the Government; and if they have considered the advisability of giving some form of temporary assistance to the producers of oats and beef until the price received for these products has reached a remunerative level, in view of the fact that it is the declared policy of the Government that farming must be made to pay?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am aware of the representations which have been made on this subject. With regard to the marketing of oats I would refer to my reply to-day to my Noble Friend the Member for Perth (Lord Scone). As regards beef, the Government has the meat situation, under active consideration in the light of the recommendations made in the recent reports of the Fat Stock Reorganisation Commissions.
§ Sir R. SMITHI did not catch the answer to the first part of the question. My question was whether the matter had been brought to the notice of the Government?
§ Sir G. COLLINSYes, Sir.
§ Sir R. SMITHIn regard to the price of oats, if it be the case that the lowness 741 of that price is due to the stocks that are in the country, why is it that when the duty was first raised by 3s. prices rose as high as 18s. and have now dropped below 14s.?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI think I dealt with that point in detail in reply to a supplementary question put by another hon. Gentleman. I will send a copy of my answer to my hon. Friend.