HC Deb 19 June 1939 vol 348 cc1799-800
40. Mr. Richards

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the proposal that the State should enter into partnership with smallholders in different parts of the country in order to encourage them to grow an abundance of health foods on something like the metayage system; and whether he will consider experimenting with that system?

The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)

No, Sir. I do not think the hon. Member's proposal is suitable to conditions in this country.

Mr. Richards

Would the Minister agree that this is rather a favourable moment for such an experiment, seeing that the Exchequer is prepared to spend a great deal on agriculture now?