HC Deb 25 February 1946 vol 419 cc1566-7
70. Major Wise

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give an undertaking not to fix February agricultural prices until the present negotiations respecting farm workers' wages have been concluded.

Mr. B Williams

No, Sir. It is essential to fix prices for milk as from 1st April and for other livestock products as from 1st July, when present price schedules expire and also to make an early announcement about crop prices. There is provision for special price reviews in the event of substantial changes in costs.

Major Wise

Can the Minister give an assurance that the fixing of prices in the near future will not be used as a weapon against wage increases, if they are proved to be justified?

Mr. Williams

I have no power to use any weapons against the decisions of the Agricultural Wages Board.

Mr. De la Bère

Why does not the Minister stand up for agriculture? Stand up for it.