§ 49. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why, in preparing the National Plan, he did not accept the figure for the possible expansion of beef and veal provided by the National Farmer's Union of Scotland.
§ Mr. RossThe National Plan, which relates to the United Kingdom as a whole, does not lay down any specific target for 1714 the possible expansion of beef and veal production. The Government accepts, however, the Farmers' Union's assessment that the broad objective should be to expand home production to the full extent of the technical possibilities.
§ Mr. StodartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great disappointment in the National Farmers' Union that its target, which was very much in excess of what the Government have accepted, has not been taken up by the Government?
§ Mr. RossI can assure the hon. Gentleman that the National Farmers' Union played its part and subscribed to the relevant chapter of the National Plan. Indeed, no separate Scottish figure was either called for or provided by the N.F.U. But we have certainly accepted the general appreciation of the full expansion within the technical possibilities.