National Farmers' Union (Minister's Letter)

HC Deb 23 July 1956 vol 557 cc20-1

28. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he asked the National Farmers' Union to forward his views on agricultural wages to the farmers in Scotland.

Mr. Nugent

My right hon. Friend has not expressed any views on agricultural wages. The letter he sent to the President of the National Farmers' Union dealt with agricultural prices, which is a matter of common concern to the three farmers' unions in the United Kingdom. It referred to previous correspondence between my right hon. Friend and the President writing on behalf of the three farmers' unions.

Mr. Hughes

Since when has the Minister been responsible for agricultural conditions in Scotland? Is he aware that the Secretary of State for Scotland would not dream of issuing such an indiscreet letter to the farmers of Scotland, and does he not think that he ought to apologise both to the Scottish farmers and to the Secretary of State for Scotland for issuing such a reactionary circular?

Mr. Nugent

I think that my right hon. Friend has nothing to apologise for in the matter. His letter was a plain statement to the President of the National Farmers' Union of what might be the effect on agricultural prices, which would be a matter of general concern to the farmers in Scotland as well as to the farmers in England and Wales.

Mr. Willey

May I say a word for England? In view of the harmful effect this letter has already had, and in view of the harmful effects it is likely to cause to industrial relations in the agricultural industry, will the Joint Parliamentary Secretary advise his right hon. Friend to withdraw the letter as soon as possible?

An Hon. Member

What about Wales?

Mr. Nugent

I cannot agree that this letter has had harmful effects. It is a perfectly straightforward, honest statement, and it leaves the three farmers' unions in no doubt where they stand in the matter.

Miss Herbison

If his right hon. Friend has nothing to apologise for about the letter, would the Minister not agree that his right hon. Friend certainly has something to apologise for when he interferes with the work of another Minister, since his right hon. Friend has nothing whatever to do with Scottish agriculture?

Mr. Nugent

No, Sir. I think that my answer explained the point. The guaranteed prices for farm products affects the farmers in Scotland just as much as they do the farmers in England.