Agriculture Act (Disciplinary Provisions)

HC Deb 23 January 1958 vol 580 cc1226-9

4. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the widespread dismay and apprehension throughout the farming community of Warwickshire following the Government's proposal to repeal Part II of the 1947 Act: and whether he will conduct further negotiations with the National Farmers' Union regarding this matter.

11. Mr. Wiley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make arrangements to receive further representations regarding the proposal for the total repeal of the disciplinary provisions of the Agriculture Act, 1947.

17. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what protest he has had from the National Farmers' Union against the abandonment of the disciplinary powers in Part II of the Agriculture Act, 1947.

21. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received against the Government's proposal to repeal the disciplinary provisions contained in Part II of the Agriculture Act, 1947.

Mr. John Hare

The future of the disciplinary provisions in Part II of the Agriculture Act, 1947, was one of the matters discussed in the talks held by my Department with representatives of the industry in the autumn of 1956, and their position was made clear on that and on subsequent occasions. Since the Government's acceptance of the recommendations in the Franks Report regarding the exercise of judicial functions by agricultural executive committees, and the announcement of its intention to repeal the disciplinary provisions of the 1947 Act. I have again been made aware of the views held by the N.F.U., the C.L.A. and the bodies representing agricultural workers. The Government's decision has been taken on the merits of the case in the full knowledge of those views. I am always willing to consider any representations that may be made to me, but, having done so, it must be then for the Government to use their own judgment in coming to a decision.

Mr. Johnson

Why does the Minister persist in this stubborn attitude against the wishes and considered views of the whole of the farming community, including not only farmers but farm workers, and, indeed, all inside the industry? Is he aware that while he makes an excellent photograph amongst his pigs—and I congratulate him on it—we should be grateful if he would kindly leave his pigsties and go into the markets to see what the farmers are thinking and saying about this question?

Mr. Hare

I thank the hon. Member for the rather double-edged compliment. I assure him that I am making it my business as rapidly as I can to go around the country and to make the personal acquaintance of more farmers than perhaps I know at the moment. I can only repeat that it is up to the Government, having heard all representations, to do what they think is right in the interests of the country.

Mr. Grant-Ferris

is my hon. Friend aware that in going about our constituencies during the recent Recess many of us received little or no comment from farmers on the repeal of Part II of the Act? Is he aware that many farmers welcome it?

Mr. T. Williams

Is not the right hon. Member aware that the National Farmers' Union, the Country Landowners' Association and the Arton Wilson Committee were all hostile to the recommendation of the Franks Committee and that the recommendation ought, therefore, not unduly to influence the right hon. Gentleman in reaching his decision?

Mr. Hare

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that I shall always listen to everything he says on these matters with great respect, but I can only repeat to him that it is up to the Government to take soundings of the views of all responsible bodies and then to make up their own mind.

Major Legge-Bourke

In warmly welcoming what my right hon. Friend has said today, may I ask him to pay particular attention to the opinion of the members of the agricultural executive committees, who are the people who have actively to implement Part II? Will he bear in mind that the majority of them are very much in favour of its abolition?

Mr. Hare

Certainly. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend we realise that it is up to us to consider the views of all people, including the agricultural executive committees, the National Farmers' Union and all responsible bodies.

Mr. Willey

The other day the Minister expressed himself, I admit cautiously, as having an open mind. Will he carry that a little further and give the House an assurance that he will meet all the agricultural interests before he personally takes any decision in this matter?

Mr. Hare

I have already said in answer to questions that I have considered a number of representations, and I am prepared to consider any representations which are made to me. I must repeat, however, that having heard these representations, which may be merely a repetition of those which have already been given to us, it is up to the Government to make up their own mind.

Mr. Lipton

What is the use of the right hon. Gentleman saying that he is prepared to consider any representations which may be made if he has already made up his mind to flout the unanimous opinion of the whole of the farming community? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Is he not aware that not even hon. Members opposite can quote one responsible farmer who is opposed to the policy of the National Farmers' Union in this matter?

Mr. Hare

The hon. Member is entitled to his own opinion, but he will have heard from the noises of disagreement in the House that not everyone shares his view.