HC Deb 24 January 1968 vol 757 cc407-8
35. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will revise the seasonal scale of payment of delivery payments for beef in order to give a substantial rise and thereby encourage beef production in 1969–70.

Mr. Hoy

I have nothing to add to the statement my right hon. Friend made on 21st December. 1967.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

This is another sector which the Minister has said he wished to encourage and in which the Prime Minister had said that he wished to encourage production. Beef production is vital to this country. Will the hon. Gentleman do what he can to give some form of confidence in the future to beef producers, as soon as possible and not wait until 6th March?

Mr. Hoy

The hon. Gentleman will agree that similar assistance was given at the Price Review and that certain assurances have been given since. As he knows, the Price Review is now in process. This is obviously a matter of great importance which will be taken into account, but I am certain that both sides will want to arrive at a settlement which is fair to both sides and the community generally.

Mr. Godber

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary accept that the expansion of been production has been the Government's one long-term plan for agriculture ever since the National Plan came out? Last year's Price Review White Paper showed that it had been completely inadequate up to that time. Since then we have had devaluation, which has made imported beef more expensive, and foot-and-mouth disease, which has increased the shortage. Surely something more positive than was indicated by the Minister's statement of December must be done.

Mr. Hoy

Certain statements have been made and certain action taken, as the right hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well. When the last Price Review was agreed, substantial assistance was given in this direction. Neither we nor the right hon. Gentleman could have foreseen the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and surely he would not seek to blame any Government for that. These things must be taken into account when the Price Review takes place and I have no doubt that the N.F.U.s will not have overlooked it.