HC Deb 12 April 1956 vol 551 cc371-2
15. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total saving in salaries and other administrative expenses which he expects to result from the abolition of the individual price guarantee for fatstock.

Mr. Amory

About £225,000 in a full year.

Mr. Hill

What will happen to the civil servants released by this considerable and welcome Government saving?

Mr. Amory

Some of them are temporary civil servants, and their employment will probably be terminated. Established civil servants will be transferred to other posts made available as the result of normal wastage.

Mr. T. Williams

Approximately how much is the Treasury expecting to save as a result of the abolition of the individual minimum guarantee for producers?

Mr. Amory

I think the only direct saving to the Treasury is the figure which I have given for the saving of staff, but, of course, there will be a further saving if, as we expect, as a result of the new arrangement better market prices are obtainable over the year. If the system works in this way the effect will be a saving in the subsidy.

Mr. Williams

If the average realisation price should fall below the minimum price surely that will involve a reduction in payments to individual producers.

Mr. Amory

I do not think that is so. It is very difficult to argue and discuss these things in answer to a Question, but I shall be glad to discuss them with the right hon. Gentleman. However, if I understood his question aright, I would say that the effect would not be as he suggests.