HC Deb 14 December 1966 vol 738 cc453-4
44. Mr. John Wells

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take account, in the 1967 Farm Price Review, of the fact that the farming community have been under financial pressure for a longer period than the standstill imposed upon other financial groups within the community.

Mr. Peart

All relevant factors, including those affecting the economic condition of the agricultural industry, will be taken into account at the 1967 Annual Review.

Mr. Wells

While one cannot expect the Minister to anticipate the Price Review in any way, is it not a fact that the farming community have been under a strain for very much longer than other industrial sections of the community? Will the Minister give the specific assurance that the longer term, past difficulties of the farmers will be borne in mind?

Mr. Peart

I always bear these in mind, and I am anxious to have sound policies. These we will achieve.