§ 10. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what he estimates to be the prospects for Scottish farming following the Agricultural Price Review; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossThe prospects are favourable. As the Price Review White Paper (Cmnd. 3229) made clear, the present award should give the industry the confidence and the means needed for a further significant advance towards the attainment of the selective expansion programme. Scottish farmers can make a substantial contribution particularly in the expansion of meat production.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that the advantages specified in the Review for the production of meat will be adequate to persuade farmers at present growing cereals to switch to meat production once again?
§ Mr. RossI do not know whether it will have the effect of causing a switch, but it will give cause for reconsideration in respect of the benefits which lie therein. Bearing in mind the fact that 80 per cent. of Scotland's production is in livestock and livestock products, and the fact that the Price Review was weighted in their favour, I think that it gives an indication of the benefits that there must be for Scotland in the Review.