HC Deb 20 November 1968 vol 773 cc1288-9
46. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the future of the family farm.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Many of those with family farms have already built up businesses which can provide a good living for the occupiers as well as making an important contribution to the national economy. Where this is not so, the Government's policy is to help the family farmer by advice or grants, to increase the size of his enterprise.

Mr. Irvine

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the view expressed by many family farmers that recent arrangements in the Finance Bill have made it almost essential that there should be only large corporations on these farms in the foreseeable future?

Mr. Hughes

That is not the case. I believe that the family farmer is responding well to the forward policy of the Government. Family farmers can get help to improve management, to co-operate with others, to modernise fixed equipment, and to enlarge their farms if they can get more land. This is a constructive policy, and farmers are responding well to it.

Mr. W. Baxter

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many farmers, both large and small, experience considerable difficulties, and that employees of the farmers are receiving an income which is half that granted to refuse collectors in London boroughs? I noticed in this morning's papers, and my right hon. Friend should note this, that refuse collectors are getting £25 a week—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Questions must be reasonably brief.

Mr. Baxter

—while the wage of an agricultural worker is exactly half that. Is it not time that we looked at the agricultural industry as a whole, to see how we can improve conditions in it?

Mr. Hughes

I refer my hon. Friend to my statement last week.