HC Deb 25 May 1966 vol 729 cc464-5
48. Mr. Godber

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how far it remains the policy of the Government that agriculture should release 140,000 men during the period covered by the National Plan.

Mr. Peart

It remains the Government's policy to continue releasing manpower by increasing productivity in agriculture. I see no reason to change the forecast, which is that agricultural manpower will fall about as fast as during the last five years, but I am keeping it under review.

Mr. Godber

This figure represents over one-third of the existing number of workers in the industry. It will be an intolerable burden. Is it not worse when it is used as an argument as to why agriculture should not take its rightful place with manufacturing industry under the Selective Employment Tax?

Mr. Peart

But the industry has its rightful place in the national economy. The rate is not unusual, incidentally. The highest release of manpower was in 1956. I will watch the situation carefully, however.

Sir Harmar Nicholls

On two occasions, the right hon. Gentleman has said that he cannot put agriculture on the same footing as manufacturing because, to give agriculture recoupment from the tax, would encourage it to carry more labour. Is he suggesting that it would carry more labour inefficiently? Is he not suggesting, in effect, that, if he gives the money back to manufacturing industry, it will carry labour more inefficiently?

Mr. Peart

I am not saying that at all. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman did not intend to, but he should not distort what I have said. I pointed out that agriculture is already given large support and that for this reason it was wrong to argue that it was comparable to manufacturing.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

The right hon. Gentleman is responsible for agriculture in Wales. How many men in the agricultural industry in Wales will the policy of the Government make redundant, according to the National Plan?

Mr. Peart

If the hon. Gentleman will put down Questions relating particularly to Wales or to counties, I will do my best to answer them. I have no specific figures with me.