§ 9. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the present method of subsidising agriculture; and what changes he proposes to make.
§ Mr. MaclayThe Government are satisfied that the present system of agricultural guarantees is the most suitable method of discharging their obligations under the Agriculture Acts of 1947 and 1957. The arrangements are kept under constant review, particularly for the purposes of the Annual Review and determination of guarantees, and the Government have no further changes in mind at the moment.
§ Mr. HannanIs not that reply somewhat surprising in view of the statement made by the Minister's Parliamentary Private Secretary, who was quoted in the newspapers as saying on 4th March that the present method of subsidising agriculture encourages farmers to be lazy and is like pouring water into a leaking bucket? Has the hon. Gentleman's promotion to a Whip been made to ensure his silence in these matters?
§ Mr. MaclayMy hon. Friend the Member for Argyll (Mr. Noble) was speaking entirely for himself, but I suggest that the hon. Gentleman should take steps to find out the full context in which my hon. Friend's remark was made, because he will find it does not bear the implication that he suggests.
§ Sir C. Thornton-KemsleyIs it not a weakness of the present system that in order to secure the profitability of small farms in remote areas agricultural support has to be fixed at a level which is over-generous to large farms on good land? Will not my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of amending the system so as to provide greater help to farms which suffer disabilities, such as height above sea level and, in particular, remoteness from markets?
§ Mr. MaclayI think that my hon. Friend will realise Chat he has raised a complex question. The Government's obligations are to the industry as a whole, and the support system is designed accordingly.