§ 48. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the rising cost of fertilisers is making it difficult for some farmers to use as much as they would wish; and whether, in the interests of long-term agricultural production, he will either seek the restoration of the fertiliser subsidy or take such other steps as will bring the price down to the 1949 level.
Mr. T. WilliamsI am aware that the rise in the price of fertilisers causes difficulties to some farmers, but the removal of the subsidy is a factor that was taken into account in fixing farmers' prices at the last February review and I can hold out no hope of the general fertiliser subsidy being restored. The new grants payable to farmers in respect of fertilisers used on grassland do, in fact, bring the cost of these down to or below the 1949 level.
§ Brigadier MedlicottIn view of the tendency for these prices to rise further, will the Minister give an assurance that special thought will be given to the problem in the next price review?
§ Mr. PagetWould my right hon. Friend consider making some credit arrangements to enable farmers to spread the cost of fertilisers over the period in which they will get a return?
§ Mr. NallyIn dealing with this and associated matters, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that many of us on these benches consider that the subsidies already paid to farmers are more than generous?