HC Deb 24 April 1950 vol 474 cc596-7
45. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the loss of confidence in the long-term future for agriculture which has recently been created amongst farmers and farm workers; and whether he will make a statement of Government policy in order to regain the confidence necessary if agricultural expansion is to be obtained.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

Having regard to the agricultural record of this Government and its predecessor, and in particular to the renewed assurances given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget Speech on Tuesday last, I see no reason why there should be any loss of confidence on the part of farmers and farm workers in the long-term future for agriculture.

Mr. Baldwin

While thanking the Prime Minister for the assurances which he has given to representatives of the farming industry, may I ask if he is aware that it is necessary for him to make it quite apparent to his hon. Friend and those who support him that farmers and their workers ask for no more State assistance than industrialists and their workers get by preference?

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Will the right hon. Gentleman take notice that the more he sacks his colleagues the more he will restore confidence to all branches of industry?

Mr. Harold Davies

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if, during Conservative periods of power, there had been more help and less promises to farmers, there would be less need for them to depend upon our assurances?