50. Brigadier-General Brownasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any action is being taken by the Government to carry out an agricultural long-range policy, as recommended in the Sixth Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure; and whether he will take steps now to consult the Agricultural Council of England and Wales and other bodies interested in agriculture on this matter?
Mr. HudsonThe broad principles of a permanent post-war policy for agriculture are under active consideration. I am not yet in a position to enter into consultations with the various bodies interested in this subject, but it is my intention to do so in due course.
Brigadier-General BrownIs the Minister aware that plans have to be made years ahead and that land will not go on producing corn unless there is a long-term policy? If farmers are to have confidence in my right hon. Friend and in the Government surely the time has come when more details of a permanent agricultural policy should be outlined?
Mr. HudsonI am perfectly aware of the need for a long-term policy, and that is why I have told county war agricultural committees that they can now consider the harvest for 1945.