§ 20. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to produce a figure which will represent the efficiency factor applicable to agriculture in Scotland before the next Price Review.
§ Mr. BuchanThe calculation of such a figure would involve a large amount of statistical work, and I am not satisfied that this would be justified, bearing in mind that the Annual Review determinations relate to the United Kingdom as a whole.
§ Mr. StodartBut does not the hon. Gentleman accept that, when one is dealing so substantially with livestock farming, in which gains in efficiency are more difficult to secure, this would be an exercise worth doing, if possible? Do not the "Little Neddies" afford an admirable instrument for doing just this, and are they not eager to do it?
§ Mr. BuchanWe try all the time to improve the economic and financial data, and the work of the "Neddies" is an example of what is being done. We are aware of this question, but I was speaking in a broader context about the efficiency factor. We are continuing our general examination and research into the economic condition of Scottish farming.
§ Mr. SteeleIf my hon. Friend gave way to this request, would it not involve an addition to our Civil Service staff, and am I not right in thinking that the Opposition did not want any more civil servants?
§ Mr. BuchanYes, Sir.
§ Sir J. GilmourAs we have a separate Department of Agriculture in Scotland, how is it not possible to produce these figures?
§ Mr. BuchanI did not say that it was not possible to produce the figures. I said that separation of an efficiency factor in relation to the Annual Price Review would not warrant the amount of work involved. The Department of Agriculture in Scotland contributes considerably to the thinking which goes into the Annual Price Review and the examination of the economic basis of British agriculture as a whole.