§ 5. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many communications he has received from the National Farmers' Union branches in Yorkshire protesting against the recent Price Review and calling for his resignation; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. John HareI have received communications protesting against the Price Review from or on behalf of thirty-two National Farmers' Union branches in Yorkshire, including three resolutions calling expressly for my resignation. The senders have been told that I have noted their views.
§ Mr. JegerIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the National Farmers' Union of the West Riding has had 25 resolutions, representing the written opinion of 28 local branches, and says that the only difference in the resolutions is one of degree? As there can be only one degree of resignation, the other degrees must be in lack of confidence in the Government. Has the right hon. Gentleman transmitted these views to his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister with a view to getting the combined resignations of himself and his right hon. Friend?
§ Mr. HareMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is fully informed about all these matters. I cannot talk about his resignation, but I wonder why the hon. Gentleman asked me about my intentions It is, perhaps, that he wants my job? It is not always a bed of roses.
§ Mr. WilleyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Council of the N.F.U. recently had eleven pages of foolscap of resolutions from 48 county branches condemning him? Has he sufficient humility to recognise that all the farmers cannot be wrong?
§ Mr. HareI do not think that anybody would say that I lack humility. On the other hand, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will reserve this line of attack for the debate on Monday, when I will be delighted to discuss the matter with him.