§ 4 and 5. Mr. Peartasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) the present levels of production of principal crops, wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, sugar beet, expressed as percentages of pre-war production; and the proposed production targets to be reached by 1955–56 for each crop, respectively;
(2) the present levels of production of livestock products, milk, eggs, beef and veal, mutton and lamb, pigmeat, expressed as percentages of pre-war production; and the proposed production targets to be reached by 1955–56 for each product, respectively.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe comparison of present and pre-war levels of production requires a table of figures and I will, if I may, circulate this in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
As for the second part of the Question, we do not intend to set detailed targets for 1955–56. As stated in the White Paper issued last May, the general objective for 1956 is to raise the net agricultural output to at least 60 per cent. above the pre-war level. Paragraph 12 of the White Paper sets out illustrations of more detailed objectives agreed as reasonable with the resources in prospect.
§ Mr. PeartIs the Minister aware that, while it is important to have a general target, in 1947 the Labour Government set specific targets? As it is important 1730 that the agricultural community should have guidance, will he reconsider his decision?
§ Sir T. DugdaleNo, Sir. That is where my hon. Friends are in conflict with the Opposition. We think that the best way is, as far as possible, to get the products in various areas according to the conditions in those areas and to leave it to the man on the spot.
§ Mr. PeartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the specific targets of the Labour Government took into account the needs of certain areas and that, in conjunction with the farmers and the county agricultural executive committees, the plan worked satisfactorily? Will he reconsider the matter?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI cannot reconsider it. This is a question of main policy. We hope to get results by this method.
Following is the information:Production in 1951–52, expressed as percentages of pre-war production, is shown.
INDEX NUMBERS OF VOLUME OF OUTPUT — 1936–39 (Average) 1951–52 (Provisional) Livestock Products: Beef and Veal … 100 104 Mutton and Lamb … 100 71 Pigmeat … 100 96 Milk … 100 129 Eggs … 100 123 Wool … 100 71 Crops: Wheat … 100 138 Barley … 100 293 Oats … 100 154 Potatoes … 100 157 Sugar Beet … 100 156