9 and 19. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he can make some statement regarding the long-term agricultural policy of the Government, or further instances of the Government's war agricultural policy;
(2) whether, as farming is a long-term business and requires a long-term policy, he can state what concrete plan the Government have for the future in connection with the newly ploughed-up acres, as to whether, after the war, they are again to be allowed to revert to grass?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)The principles on which the Government's wartime agricultural policy are based have been clearly indicated in statements made to Parliament, and in recent speeches, to which wide publicity has been given, by my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Lord Privy Seal. The Prime Minister has also given assurances with regard to the Government's agricultural policy during the post-war years. There is nothing at present to be added to those statements. A wide range of measures, which will be extended from time to time 814 as necessary, has already been put into operation to give effect to this policy.
Mr. De la BèreIs not my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that what is wanted is a greater, bolder, and more generous scheme? Is he not further aware that we cannot have the opinions of War Agricultural County Committees or the National Farmers' Union, and that he cannot annihilate truth by shutting them out of the Press? Why is this being done?
§ Mr. T. WilliamsMay I ask—
§ Mr. T. WilliamsMay I ask whether, in view of the large number of speeches, broadcasts, and statements made, the Minister of Agriculture will endeavour to put before the House the short-term war agricultural policy of the Government and their long-term policy as well?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI do not quite understand where we are to put it, but there is a Debate on Wednesday. Agriculture is a complicated matter, as it involves a number of different industries.
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am afraid that I do not understand the question.
Mr. De la BèreIs it not the fact that County War Agricultural Committees have had instructions from Whitehall that they must make no observations on Government policy?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithNo, Sir.
Mr. De la BèrePerhaps my right hon. and gallant Friend will see me afterwards.
Later—On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. The Minister did not answer Question No. 19 with Question No. 9. He did not refer to the Question about whether the ploughed-up acres are again to be allowed to revert to grass. May I ask him to be good enough to give an answer to that?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Minister answered the two Questions together.
Mr. De la BèreMay I point out to you, with great deference and respect, that the Minister did not answer or attempt to answer the Question about the land re- 815 verting to grass? He did not answer it in any shape or form.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Minister stated that he was answering the two Questions together.