32. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with the proposals embodying the principle of price insurance, he will consider setting up an authoritative body to determine whether the prices which farmers have been receiving have fallen so far as to involve them in a substantial loss in the working of their enterprise?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithNo, Sir, I do not propose to adopt the suggestion contained in my hon. Friend's question. I would remind him that investigations into costs of production are at present carried out by the universities and agricultural colleges.
Mr. De la BèreDoes not my right hon. Friend realise that unless an authoritative body is set up the whole of this principle of price insurance is meaningless; and will he take some action?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI think that this question is really too complex to deal with by way of question and answer. The hon. Member will have a chance on the Agricultural Development Bill of developing this particular question.
Mr. De la BèreYes, but will my right hon. Friend see that I really have a chance to develop the question?
§ Mr. T. JohnstonIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that someone must have fixed what is called a fair price for sheep? Can he say who it was, inasmuch as farmers say that they will not get a penny out of it?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI cannot agree with the last statement of the right hon. Gentleman. It is perfectly clear that if the scheme had been in operation last year they would have got over £2,000,000.
§ Mr. JohnstonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Scottish Farmers Union have turned down the scheme completely, saying that they cannot work it?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithPerhaps the right hon. Gentleman is not aware that the National Farmers Union of Scotland were under a misapprehension as to the scheme.