§ 51. Mr. J. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he consulted the Livestock Commission before formulating his legislative proposals for a subsidy to sheep farmers; whether they have expressed any views on the desirability or practicability of the proposals; and whether the House will be furnished with such views before the Agricultural Development Bill is further considered?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithNo, Sir. The proposals for assistance to sheep farmers were decided upon by the Government in broad outline, in the form in which they appear in the Agricultural Development Bill, as a matter of policy. The Livestock Commission have been invited by the three responsible Ministers to prepare the detailed scheme for which provision is made in the Bill, and the Commission have readily agreed to undertake this task.
§ Mr. MorganHas the Livestock Commission expressed any opinion as to the 911 desirability or workability of the scheme, and shall we know that before the Bill is proceeded with?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI have no reason to doubt that they will be able to produce a workable scheme.
§ Mr. MorganHave they expressed any views on the scheme?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithNot yet.
§ Mr. PriceIs the Livestock Commission considering the scale of dressed carcase weights according to various grades?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThey are considering the whole working of the scheme.
Captain CazaletWill my right hon. Friend expedite this scheme, as the delay is holding up a great many farmers from selling their stock?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI have not got the Bill yet.