HC Deb 12 May 1949 vol 464 c2000
51. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now consider taking steps to simplify and reduce the number of forms that at the present time farmers are required to fill in, with special regard to forms for feedingstuffs rations, fat stock sales, acreage payments, taking into consideration the elaborate farm accounts required, and the additional work of Pay As You Earn.

Mr. T. Williams

All forms directly concerned with agriculture that farmers are required to complete are being scrutinised with a view to the elimination of any which do not serve an essential purpose, and to the simplification of the remainder.

Mr. De la Bère

How can the right hon. Gentleman expect increased food production if recovery and progress are obstructed by interminable regimentation, bureaucracy and form-filling and unless forms are very drastically reduced?

Mr. Williams

We grow food in the field and not in the office.

Mr. De la Bère

Unless they are reduced this Government must go, and we must have another which will do something really effective.