HC Deb 27 March 1969 vol 780 cc1791-2
Q4. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Prime Minister what arrangements he has made to meet the leaders of the National Farmers' Union.

Q5. Mr. Jopling

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange an early meeting to discuss agricultural expansion with the leaders of the agricultural industry.

Mr. M. Stewart

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister had a meeting with the President of the National Farmers' Union for England and Wales on 10th March.

Mr. Mills

Yes, but would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that, in view of the present economic circumstances and the plight of agriculture, the recent Price Review has not provided adequate resources for agriculture to play the part it should play?

Mr. Stewart

No, Sir. I do not agree with that. The determinations which the Minister of Agriculture announced give agriculture the resources to carry out a selective expansion programme. Apart from what happened in 1964 and 1967, this is the best Review for more than twenty years.

Mr. Jopling

Is the right hon. Gentleman seriously suggesting that last week's Price Review was in any way compatible with the Minister of Agriculture's statement last November? Is he aware that the farmers have lost all confidence in the Government in view of the scandalous double-talk of the last four months?

Mr. Stewart

On the first part, yes, that is what I was asserting, and the facts justify it. On the second part, I do not accept that at all.

Mr. Maclennan

When the leaders of the National Farmers' Union met the Prime Minister, did they make it clear that they continue their strong opposition to the Opposition's policy on agriculture?

Mr. Stewart

The contents of the discussions between my right hon. Friend and the National Farmers' Union are confidential, but it is well known that the N.F.U. takes the view which my hon. Friend ascribes to it.

Mr. Godber

As we shall have an opportunity to debate that on Monday, I do not propose to follow it, but would the right hon. Gentleman come back to the original Question and tell us whether the statement of the Minister of Agriculture in November had the support of his colleagues in the House? If it did, why has it not been honoured in the Price Review?

Mr. Stewart

That was not the original Question, but since the right hon. Gentleman has asked it, I must say again that this incompatibility which he claims to find is not there: it is not justified by the facts.

Mr. English

While recognising that the virtues of this Price Review are considerably greater than seem to be recognised by some hon. Members opposite, may I ask my right hon. Friend to dispose of the rumours that, to please the Treasury accountants, there is some suggestion of shifting subsidy from the taxpayer to the consumer, which would certainly be resisted by many on these benches?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir.