§ 29. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will announce the results of the current Price Review.
§ Mr. John HareThe Annual Review is still in progress, but I hope that it will be possible to make a statement and to present the customary White Paper in the near future.
§ Mr. LiptonThat Answer is as vague as the Government's policy in general. Can the Minister give an assurance on two points? Can he say, first, that this will not be an imposed settlement, but will be an agreed one and, secondly, that the Government Price Review will take into account the forthcoming rise in farm rents?
§ Mr. HareThe hon. Member knows quite well that while discussions are going on we cannot give assurances. Therefore, he has asked a supplementary question which could only amuse him, and he could not expect an answer from me.
Mr. T. WilliamsDoes not the Minister agree that the 1957 Act is supposed to have made a Price Review very easy?
§ Mr. HareI will say that the 1957 Act—as the right hon. Gentleman has so handsomely acknowledged—has given very considerable security to the farming industry.