33. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture what further steps the Government are taking to increase the acreage under cultivation and the yield per acre to the maximum obtainable as part of Britain's Defence measures?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe whole agricultural policy of the Government, including, in particular, the various schemes comprised in the Agriculture Act of last Session, is designed to improve the fertility of the soil, to stimulate arable and grassland cultivation, and to increase the yield per acre.
Mr. De la BèreWhat active steps is my right hon. Friend taking to increase this home acreage as part of the Defence scheme?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is merely a repetition of the question on the Paper, and I see no reason why I should answer it again. My hon. Friend will see the answer in the OFFICIA1, REPORT tomorrow.
§ Mr. de RothschildIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question is closely related to the question of agricultural credit, and will he inquire into the rates of interest that are being charged at the present time for facilities to farmers, as the yield per acre depends a great deal upon this?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe matter is one of general agricultural policy, and there are many factors in it, including that referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House exactly what means he employs to ascertain whether or not the land is being put to the best possible agricultural use?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is a different question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.
§ Mr. MacquistenDoes my right hon. Friend not realise that farmers are harassed by filling up forms from weekend to week-end?