§ 5. Mr. Stodartasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the figure of agricultural net output has been lower between 1964–65 and 1967–68 compared with that between 1961–62 and 1964–65 or 1958–59 and 1961–62; and what steps he proposes to take to improve it.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesOutput in the four year period 1964–65 to 1967–68, as forecast, was considerably higher than in the periods 1958–59 to 1961–62 or 1961–62 to 1964–65. As regards further expansion of output, I would refer the hon. Member to my statement on 12th November.
§ Mr. StodartDoes not the right hon. Gentleman find considerable significance in the information, which he gave to my right hon. Friend after some probing? In view of that, does not he agree that some very radical changes in his policy are needed to correct the situation?
§ Mr. HughesThe hon. Gentleman should study and consider carefully the reply I have given to his Question on output, which shows that output has gone up. The series of Questions by right hon. and hon. Members about figures over the years is a sterile and misleading exercise. One can select various years and get different results—for example, due to climate or disease.
§ 8. Mr Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of the rise of 32 per cent. in agricultural production for the year 1963–64 to 1967–68, how much was attributable to the year 1964–65, and how much to the remaining years.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)Agricultural 460 net output—which I presume the hon. Member means from his figures, not production—rose by 7.9 per cent. between 1963–64 and 1964–65 and by 1.7 per cent. per annum between 1964–65 and 1967–68.
§ Mr. IrvineWill the hon. Gentleman take this opportunity to make clear that the figure of 3.2 per cent. in a reply on 6th December was misleading?
§ Mr. MackieNo, Sir. That figure was not misleading. It was the answer to the question.