HC Deb 24 May 1966 vol 729 cc282-3
Q10. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Prime Minister whether he will place in the Library a copy of his public speech on the Government's agricultural policy at the National Farmers' Union dinner on 6th April.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Hill

Since the Prime Minister is reported to have recommended a willing partnership between the Government and the industry, will he see to it in future that Treasury and other Ministers become better informed about agricultural matters generally and do not devise proposals such as the Selective Employment Tax which plainly reveal a lack of the understanding which a partner ought to have?

The Prime Minister

No one could be better informed on these questions than my right hon. Friends, and particularly my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The particular point which the hon. Member mentioned was pretty fully debated in this House on the Friday after the Budget, and it was the subject of a further statement by my right hon. Friend which, I think, gave pretty general satisfaction.