HC Deb 02 July 1969 vol 786 cc407-8
9. Mr. Mackintosh

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the present knowledge of the quality, weight and yield of last year's harvest and of the expectations of this year's harvest resulting from a wet and late spring, the estimated figure for the increase in farm productivity this year included in the 1968 Price Review is still his Department's official estimate.

Mr. John Mackie

The gain from greater efficiency is assessed on the basis of taking one year with another. We see no reason to change that assessment, and it would not really be useful to speculate about the outcome for the 1969–70 farm year, which has just begun.

Mr. Mackintosh

But will not my hon. Friend appreciate that if in two consecutive years this efficiency factor does not operate, and if costs rise much more sharply than expected due to the extra feed and other costs faced by the industry, the resulting squeeze on profits and income will make the Minister's worthy efforts for expansion much more difficult?

Mr. Mackie

I appreciate that the review of the efficiency factor was made in 1966 and again in the spring of 1969. If we see that two years will have a big effect we shall naturally have to look at the matter next time.

Sir Harmar Nicholls

The Minister's answers to this Question and to the three previous Questions seem to indicate that he will give long-term consideration to overcoming the special difficulties of last year and this. Does not he see, after his visit to the East Midlands and East Anglia a fortnight ago, that we want something more positive than that if farming is to make the contribution we expect it to make?

Mr. Mackie

Although I twice made official visits, I have also made unofficial visits, and the improvement since my last official visit is quite remarkable. [Interruption.] Well, it is. I just ask the hon. Gentleman to be patient until we see what the harvest will be like.