50. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will confer with the Minister of Food with a view to prices being fixed to make production economically possible on the lowest grade of land owing to the diversity of conditions under which the farming industry has had to be carried on since the outbreak of hostilities?
Mr. HudsonI do not consider that a general revision of agricultural prices would be an appropriate way of increasing production on the lowest grade of land.
Mr. De la BèreHas not my right hon. Friend told us that there are 300,000 or 400,000 farms and that it is difficult to ascertain the facts? Would it not be the wisest course to base the price on the highest cost of production on the lowest grade of land, in order to obtain the maximum output?
Mr. HudsonNo, Sir, I do not think that would be an appropriate way. There are better ways which have been put into operation.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the steps which have been taken will have any effect upon the farmers?