HC Deb 25 October 1967 vol 751 cc1708-9
8. Mr. Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, following the visit of the Committee on Agriculture to Brussels, he will now issue a White Paper on the effects on agriculture in Scotland if Great Britain joins the Common Market.

Mr. Ross

No, Sir.

Mr. Clark Hutchison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister's policy has now been exploded, as I hoped it would be? Will he say what measures he has in mind for increasing agriculture in Scotland and ensuring from Commonwealth countries and elsewhere cheap and good food supplies for our people at home?

Mr. Ross

I think that we will have plenty of opportunity to discuss the Government's measures in relation to agriculture when we move further into the Session, and on to the Price Review. I think the hon. Gentleman will be satisfied that what we have done in the past, and what we intend to do, will strengthen Scottish agriculture. To that extent, no matter what it faces it will be able to meet the challenge The question of agriculture and the Community was fully covered in the White Paper dealing with agriculture in Scotland and England.

Mr. Stodart

In view of the fact that last week the President of the N.F.U. said that during the last three years the net output figure had dropped by two points in the index, will the right hon. Gentleman say how he has strengthened Scottish agriculture?

Mr. Ross

I think that the last Price Review was very satisfactory to the farmers. They were able to see the opportunity for increasing production.

Mr. Alasdair Mackenzie

As there are grave doubts about our prospects of entering the Community at this time, and in view of the statement by the Prime Minister yesterday that even if we fail at this time our application is in, and remains in, will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement clarifying the position to alleviate the doubts and fears which exist in the minds of hill and upland farmers in the Highlands of Scotland?

Mr. Ross

I think we have made clear that we recognise the problems which will arise for certain sections of the agricultural community. This was pointed out in the White Paper to which I referred. When we get to the point of negotiations, all these problems will be adequately covered, and we hope safeguarded.