§ 14. Mr. Peartasked the Minister of Agriculture what response he has had from county committees concerning his Departmental Circular C.A.E.C. 52/40 dealing with the role of district committees in the production drive.
§ The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (Sir Thomas Dugdale)After receiving this circular, district committees all over the country carefully assessed what part their districts can play in the production drive. The inquiry confirmed that the Government's objective of raising output to at least 60 per cent. over prewar by 1956 is reasonable. It also brought out points that present difficulty or demand special attention in particular areas. Members of the district committees have an important task ahead of them and I am sure that with their help our farmers will produce the extra food we need from our farms.
§ Mr. PeartAs in the circular which the right hon. Gentleman sent out to the district committees he asked for a 15 per cent. increase in grass and a 5 per cent. increase in tillage, will he now reconsider his opposition to the publishing of targets of production?
§ Sir T. DugdaleNo, Sir. I think we should get our objective in the way I have outlined in the two White Papers.
§ Mr. PeartWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that in his circular he is actually asking for targets?
§ Sir T. DugdaleNo, Sir.