HC Deb 31 March 1965 vol 709 cc1645-7
24. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will appoint an independent committee, or person, with wide powers to inquire impartially and objectively into the financing of the agricultural industry.

Mr. Peart

No, Sir. Financing is an aspect of the economic condition and prospects of the agricultural industry, and these are reviewed annually. I see no need for an independent inquiry.

Mr. Hamilton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the consumer and taxpayer is getting thoroughly fed up with the way in which, year by year, hundreds of millions of pounds are poured into this allegedly private enterprise industry without anybody knowing just where it is going? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Indeed. Would my right hon. Friend refer to the editorial in the Financial Times of 11th February, which recommended to my right hon. Friend that Sir Eric Roll, now at the Department of Economic Affairs, would be an ideal choice of someone who is qualified to undertake such an investigation?

Mr. Peart

I cannot accept what my hon. Friend says. I have always believed in the 1947 Act and its main principle. I believe that support to agriculture helps producer and consumer. Added to that, as Minister of Food, I have to bear in mind, obviously, the importance of the consumer. I do this and will continue to do it. That is why I want to improve marketing and that is why, when I make a decision about Exchequer support, I have to bear in mind not only the producer but the consumer. As for a special inquiry, I do not think that we need it.

Mr. Turton

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs of the amount of the balance of payments which is saved by agricultural production?

Mr. Peart

My right hon. Friend fully accepts this and has said so, and I do as well.

Mr. Orme

Will my right hon. Friend take into account the fact that the consumer is very concerned about this annual pouring out of money, which is done in a closed manner between the National Farmers' Union and the Ministry concerned, and that there is a need for a public inquiry? Behind the facade which we have seen in the Lobby today there is a need for a public inquiry into the farming industry.

Mr. Peart

I said to my hon. Friend that I bear the consumer in mind. I said this and I stress it. I must balance, quite rightly, the producer and the consumer. That is what we have done.

Mr. Gower

Can the Minister reconcile his own assurance that all is well with agriculture, in the light of his proposals, with the hostility towards farmers and farming which is being expressed from the benches opposite.

Mr. Peart

I think that the biggest danger to the farming community is for hon. Members opposite to defend some of the irresponsible actions of certain farmers who have protested against the Price Review.

Sir M. Redmayne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was nothing in my hon. Friend's supplementary question which suggested anything of the sort?

Mr. Peart

I have never heard the hon. Member condemn the wild elements who are now seeking to take action which would harm the farming community.

Mr. Prior

On a point of order. I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.