HC Deb 24 April 1939 vol 346 cc768-9
23. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement on the Government's policy to increase production in time of war?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 20th April to questions asked by the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) and my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn).

Mr. Turton

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the agricultural producers are very anxious to do their part in time of war but do not yet know what part they are expected to play? Could he give some indication to the farmers, as he has already done to the president of the National Farmers' Union, as to what is expected of them?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

It is impossible to give to each and every individual farmer precise information as to what he will be expected to do in time of war. As the hon. Member will be aware, the plans of the Ministry apply to varying needs and varying types of war. I am afraid it would not be possible to give precise information to meet all needs.

Mr. T. Williams

If the Government are unable to announce their food policy for war-time, may we not expect them to announce a food policy for peacetime?

Mr. John Morgan

Has any decision been taken affecting any crops that might be put in the ground now?