HC Deb 23 September 1943 vol 392 cc389-90
46. Mr. de Rothschild

asked the Prime Minister when he will be in a position to state to the House what is the post-war agricultural policy of the Government?

Mr. Attlee

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister indicated in reply to Questions by the hon. Member for Grantham (Mr. Kendall) and others on 3rd August, the subject of post-war agricultural policy raises large issues. These matters like other urgent subjects are under constant consideration. I am unable at present to say when it will be possible for a statement to be made.

Mr. Turton

Can my right hon. Friend say what was meant by the "conflict of interests" on this subject to which the Prime Minister referred yesterday?

Mr. Attlee

I am not aware to what the hon. Gentleman is referring.

Mr. De la Bère

Does not the whole matter want clarifying?

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great anxiety among the agricultural community in this country to have the postwar policy discussed, and cannot he possibly find a suitable date when the House can discuss it?

Mr. Attlee

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that Question to the Leader of the House.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is impossible to determine post-war agricultural policy unless you determine the broader principles of post-war economic policy?

Mr. Attlee

My hon. Friend is quite right.

63. Major Manningham-Buller

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is yet in a position to state the Government's post-war agricultural policy?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to-day by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, to the hon. Member for the Isle of Ely (Mr. de Rothschild), to which I have nothing to add.