75. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in addition to the Government's policy of spending money on the Navy, Army, and Air Force as the lines of defence for this country, he can assure the House of Commons that agriculture has not been overlooked, since this expenditure may be valueless if agriculture be neglected?
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)I have been asked to reply. I can assure my hon. Friend that every aspect of home agriculture is being considered in connection with this question.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the absolute hopelessness which is eating into the heart of the countryside owing to the failure of the Government to support agriculture?
§ Major BraithwaiteHas the Minister noticed any new indication of a desire on the part of any of the services to place more business with the home agriculturists?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI am asked in the question on the Order Paper whether I can assure the House that agriculture has not been overlooked. I can give that assurance.