HC Deb 02 December 1964 vol 703 cc436-7
4. Mr. Ensor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the system of grants and subsidies to hill farmers with a view to rationalisation of the entire system.

Mr. Peart

Yes, Sir. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary announced on 10th November that such a review is to be carried out as a matter of urgency and he is already in touch with representatives of the interests concerned.

Mr. Ensor

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House when he is likely to meet the representatives of the interests concerned?

Mr. Peart

Yes. As a first step, my Parliamentary Secretary will be meeting the Hill Farming Advisory Committee next week.

Mr. Manuel

Will my right hon. Friend take cognisance of the fact that the real complaints which are reaching Members of Parliament are coming from the owners of hill dairy farms? Before the next Price Review, will he consider the possibility of their attaining parity with their neighbours in lowland areas?

Mr. Peart

During the review period I will always take into account any factor affecting their position.