HC Deb 03 February 1959 vol 599 cc192-3
29. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider making a broadcast to farmers in Scotland outlining Her Majesty's Government's long-term policy for agriculture in Scotland.

Mr. Maclay

I am always willing to consider constructive suggestions, but I think the hon. Member will find that the Government's long-term policy for agriculture in Scotland, as for other parts of the United Kingdom, contained in the Agriculture Acts of 1947 and 1957 is already well known.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister so out of touch with agricultural opinion that he does not realise that his latest proposals have been called a "breathing space" and a "stay of execution", and is that his definition of a long-term programme?

Mr. Maclay

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I am not out of touch with agricultural opinion in Scotland at the moment.