§ 2 Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take to ensure that farming subsidies are paid only to those farmers who need them.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the Question which the hon. Member put to him on this subject on 11th March, with which I entirely agree.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the right hon Gentleman aware that Scotland ought to take a lead in matters of this kind? Is it not the case that in the last six years the subsidies paid to Scottish farmers have quadrupled, from just over £6 million to over £27 million? If he is not prepared to take legislative action, will 195 not the right hon. Gentleman ask farmers as a patriotic gesture, while they can afford to do without subsidies, whether in the face of our extreme economic difficulties they will forgo them?
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. Member will realise that the policy on farm subsidies has been debated very fully in the House. I, as well as my right hon. Friend, believe that we are on the right lines.
§ Mr. WoodburnWould the right hon. Gentleman get the Government to make up their mind on what they believe in connection with subsidies? When it comes to housing, we are told that subsidies ought to be given only in case of need. if that is the principle that the Government have adopted, surely it must be adopted all round. If it is not sauce for the goose it cannot be sauce for the gander.
§ Mr. MaclayIf the right hon. Gentleman reflects very carefully, he will realise that a comparison between housing and agriculture in this matter is not appropriate.