HC Deb 28 March 1962 vol 656 cc1339-41
25. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what communication he has received from the National Farmers' Union of Scotland

Mr. Maclay

I should be grateful if the hon. Member would either write to me about this or let me have time to examine what he has said.

Following are the tables:

about the 1962 Price Review as it affects Scotland; and what was the nature of his reply.

Mr. Maclay

I have not received any communication from the Scottish National Farmers' Union on this subject.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware of the deep resentment in Scotland about agricultural subsidies? Is he aware that the dairy farmers in Ayrshire especially regard this as a severe blow to the dairying industry, because it will increase the price to the consumer without helping the farmer? Is he also aware that it is a heavy blow against the small egg producers and that the farmers of Scotland unanimously wish to see him in another place?

Mr. Maclay

The hon. Member has gone wide of his original Question. As he knows, I had a meeting last week with the Scottish N.F.U. The Union made it clear that it was unable to accept the Government's conclusions, but I gained the impression that it was well aware of the reasons for the result of the Review.

Sir J. Duncan

Was my right hon. Friend satisfied with the reception he got last week at the dinner of the Scottish N.F.U. and particularly with that part of the discussion which related to winter keep, to which the Scottish farmers are looking forward with keen interest?

Mr. Maclay

Even though the representatives of the Scottish N.F.U. did not like the Review, they were extremely kind to me when I met them on that occasion.

Mr. Hughes

In view of the totally unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.