§ 43. Mr. George Jegerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consider limiting agricultural subsidies to farms in the development areas.
§ Mr. PeartThe aim of the policy pursued by the Government under the 1947 and 1957 Agriculture Acts is to promote and maintain a stable and efficient agricultural industry throughout the whole country, and I do not think it would be in the national interest to change the basis of that policy. Nevertheless, I recognise that some sectors of farming face special difficulties—in particular, small farms and hill and upland farms. There are special schemes of assistance designed to deal with these difficulties which are not found only in development areas.
§ Mr. JegerWhile welcoming that reply, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will communicate it to the Ministry of Technology, which will be surprised to learn that subsidies and assistance can be given to industry nationally without geographical boundaries?