§ 2. Sir L. Plummerasked the Minister of Agriculture why he has accepted a grant from the United States Mutual Security Agency to meet the cost of demonstrating the use of fertilisers to British farmers; and what was the amount of the grant.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI can see no reason why this generous offer should not have been accepted. The Agency recently decided to set aside a proportion of the counterpart funds they retain in each of the countries receiving defence aid to promote agricultural productivity in those countries. Her Majesty's Government were invited to make proposals; and a series of demonstrations to show the effects of improved fertiliser practices was decided upon. I am satisfied that these demonstrations will make a very valuable contribution to the Government's policy of stimulating greater agricultural production. For England and Wales, the Agency are contributing £41,000 towards the cost.
§ Sir L. PlummerDoes not the Minister think that at a time when the Chancellor of the Exchequer is making considerable tax concessions to the farmers the acceptance of charity of this kind is humiliating? Does he not think that the time has arrived when farmers who do not understand the use of fertilisers should be invited to get out of the industry?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThat is a different question altogether. This suggestion comes from the Mutual Security Agency themselves, and it would be wrong if we refused their generous offer.