§ 31 and 32. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the long-term agricultural policy of the Government;
(2) whether his consultations with the National Farmers' Union representatives are now concluded; and, if so, can he state the nature of the decisions reached?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithDiscussions have taken place with representatives of the National Farmers' Unions, the workers' unions and the landowners and their views are now being considered by the Government, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. WilliamsMay I ask the Minister whether, during these negotiations, any differences have been found between the views of the National Farmers' Union and their ex-vice-president?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithWe have discussed various matters in detail, and at the present moment we have not yet made up our minds on our policy, and until that decision arises we cannot tell whether there will be any real differences or not.
§ Mr. WilliamsCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give the House any idea of the month or the year when the Government are likely to make up their minds?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe hon. Member will realise that nobody can be more anxious than myself to end these conversations and to bring in the proposals, and I can assure him that it will be as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. ShinwellMay I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman whether it is not the fact that before accepting his present office, he had made up his mind about Government agricultural policy?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe hon. Gentleman says so, but he is the only one that does.