§ 13. Mr. Godberasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect the White Paper on Prices and Incomes Standstill: the Period of Severe Restraint, will have on the deliberations for the forthcoming Annual Price Review.
§ Mr. PeartFull account will be taken of the White Paper and of the other relevant factors, including the requirements of the selective expansion programme.
§ Mr. GodberSurely the Minister can agree to be more positive. His Answer seems very negative in relation to the needs of the farming community. He must be aware, as we are on this side of the House, that farming incomes are going down and not going up. Therefore, may we have a clear indication that the White Paper will not in any way inhibit the deliberations for the Price Review?
§ Mr. PeartThe hon. Member should know from his experience that I cannot possibly anticipate the Government's conclusions at this stage. The Annual 443 Review is to be made and we shall look at all these matters. We shall also consider the criteria laid down in the White Paper.
§ Mr. BakerI do not ask the right hon. Gentleman to anticipate the results of the Price Review, but can he assure the House categorically that the interests of the hill farmers will be particularly considered when the Price Review time comes? At the moment those farmers are in a very parlous state.
§ Mr. PeartThe hon. Member will see what I have said in relation to the payment of subsidy for hill sheep. In the Price Review discussions all these matters are taken into account. I am always glad to discuss the problems of the hill farming section of the industry, but I cannot make promises. We have to discuss these matters.