§ 26. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is in a position to announce the increase in agricultural prices; or when the announcement will be made.
§ Mr. CollickMy right hon. Friend the Minister expects to make an announcement before the end of August.
§ Major Peter RobertsWill the Parliamentary Secretary say what farmers are to do with this year's crop of oats, wheat and barley which they have already threshed, before the price is announced?
§ Mr. CollickI am afraid that has nothing whatever to do with the Question which I answered.
§ Mr. TurtonWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the importance of getting his announcement out early before the end of August, to enable the necessary grassland to be sown for the change-over in production?
§ Mr. CollickYes, most certainly As the hon. Member will appreciate, there is a meeting pending on 19th August
Mr. VaneCan the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the total of these increases is going to equal the total additional cost to the industry, or will this be like last year and only go part of the way?
§ Mr. CollickI think the hon. Gentleman had better await the announcement.
§ Mr. AlpassIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that some of the best farmers in the country have stated to me personally in my own Division that they are quite able to pay the increased wages without any increase on present prices?