§ 60. Mr. Boothbyasked the Minister of Agriculture what further measures His Majesty's Government propose to take to restore the agricultural industry of this country to its full productive capacity; and whether consideration will be given to a scheme designed to maintain and, if possible, increase the production of oats by securing that the price shall not again fall below the cost of production level?
§ Mr. RamsbothamThe Government will continue their policy of increasing the efficiency of home agriculture, but my right hon. Friend is not in a position to announce any further measures at the present time.
§ Mr. BoothbyIs my hon. Friend aware that the Minister gave an undertaking to a deputation of Scottish farmers last summer that the Government would give special consideration to this question? Are they considering it, and, if so, when will my hon. Friend be able to make a statement of the Government's intentions?
§ Mr. RamsbothamEvery possible method of assistance to oat growers has received consideration, and I would remind my hon. Friend that, compared with this week last year, the average price per cwt. of oats in Scotland last year was 4s. 10d., and this week the price is 7s. 6d.
§ Mr. BoothbyThat does not affect the position.
§ Mr. PalingHas the Minister calculated what it would cost in subsidies to bring the agricultural industry up to full capacity?