§ 20. Mr. Boothbyasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to announce the proposals of the Government with regard to oats and barley?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)I regret that I am not yet in a position to add to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 23rd February last, and to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Sudbury (Colonel Burton) on 30th March, to which I would refer my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. BoothbyDoes the Minister realise that, owing to the delay in announcing 766 the proposals of the Government, a great deal of land in Scotland which might otherwise have been put under oats or barley is now being left fallow; and can he give any indication as to when he will be in a position to announce the Government's policy with regard to cereals?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI cannot say more than that it will be at the earliest possible opportunity.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIs not the Minister aware that, the longer the delay, the greater will be the damage to agriculture?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI cannot see that there will be any damage to agriculture, because it has been already announced that additional assistance will be given.
§ Mr. BoothbyWhat is the cause of the delay?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithMy hon. Friend will realise that there is always a time lag between the birth of an idea and the birth of a Parliamentary Bill.
§ 37. Lieut.-Colonel Heneageasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the apprehension caused to barley growers and sheep producers by the delay in implementing the promise of help to producers of these commodities; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the elaboration of proposals for the assistance of producers of barley and sheep is proceeding with all possible despatch, but, as he no doubt appreciates, problems of some complexity arise in regard to both commodities. An announcement will be made as soon as practicable.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HeneageWill my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that the farmers are short of ready cash for carrying on the present crop; and can he do anything to hurry up payments on account, so that a certain amount of land will be utilised?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am afraid we cannot pay anything more on account than under the present Agricultural Acts.
§ Mr. W. RobertsCan the Minister say that the interests of the sheep producers will not be overlooked as a result of the pressure that is being exercised by the barley growers?