§ 45. Mr. De Chairasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Government are spending approximately £15,000,000 annually in assistance to the agricultural industry in this country without having succeeded in placing the industry on a secure basis, he will reconsider his refusal to set up a Royal Commission to examine the whole question of agriculture in relation to the national economy and social stability in peace time, and food supply in war time?
47. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole position of the agricultural industry, with a view to creating a permanent and comprehensive long-term agricultural policy?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)I do not think that a Royal Commission could elicit any material information which is not already available to the Government or the House. Nor do I think that it would be helpful to farmers to undertake at the present juncture a review of the very wide scope that is suggested, which would be bound to raise the question of altering the present balance of agriculture and the assistance that is being provided for various branches of it by the long-term measures already taken by the present Government.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartAs the suggestion of a Royal Commission is probably not appropriate, would my right hon. Friend consider a smaller, swifter and simpler inquiry to examine the situation now?
§ The Prime MinisterThe answer I have given is a reply to that question.
§ Mr. J. MorganWould not the Prime Minister admit that there is a growing uneasiness within the industry at the way in which the policy of the Government is working out, and is not this the stage at which to review the situation?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another point altogether.