§ 36. Mr. Freethasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage of the total number of farms and small holdings in England and Wales which are under 10 acres; and the percentage of the total which are between 10 acres and 100 acres.
Mr. AmoryThirty-four per cent. of agricultural holdings in England and Wales with more than 1 acre of land used for agriculture had under 10 acres of crops and grass at the June, 1954, census; 45 per cent. had between 10 and 100 acres.
§ Mr. FreethIn view of the fact that those two figures add up to 79 per cent., is my right hon. Friend satisfied that small farmers are adequately represented on the bodies with which he negotiates, particularly in the Annual Price Review?
Mr. AmoryOf course, it has been the practice to negotiate with the three National Farmers' Unions. It is for individual farmers to decide for themselves what organisation they will become members of. Those are the recognised bodies representing the farming industry, in this country for the purpose of the Annual Price Review.
§ Mr. HaymanIs the Minister aware that the small farmer feels that he has been neglected in the recent Price Review, and will he see that the small farmer gets a better deal in the next one?
Mr. AmoryI have already explained that very full weight was attached by the Government during the recent Price Review to the interests of the small farmer. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that that will continue to be the case in any future review.