Selective Agricultural Expansion Programme (Hansard, 14 May 1969)

§ 24. Mr. Speed
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a White Paper giving the progress to date of the 1965 selective agricultural expansion programme.

§ Mr. John Mackie
The 1965 selective expansion programme has been rolled forward to 1972–73. Progress was outlined in the 1969 Annual Review White Paper (Cmnd. 3965).

§ Mr. Speed
That does not answer the Question. Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that there has been a total increase in production since the 1965 forecast of only 3 per cent. over the last four years, compared with a forecast of 3 per cent. each year? In view of this tremendous shortfall, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the present situation? If not, what does he intend to do about it?

§ Mr. Mackie
The major shortfall was in 1968–69, a year in which there was a very bad harvest in every respect. It is ridiculous to look at agricultural production on the basis of only one year. As I was in the middle of pointing out to the right hon. Member for Grantham (Mr. Godber) two days ago when you, Mr. Speaker, stopped me, but the right hon. Gentleman knew full well what I was wanting so say, we tend to bandy figures about too much. We must consider the general picture, which is one of increased production over the years.

§ Mr. Godber
If the Joint Parliamentary Secretary wishes to look at the general picture, perhaps he will look at the White Paper once more and see that there is only one year in that period in which we have met the target in regard to the selective expansion programme. Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the trend is wholly unsatisfactory? Will he urge upon his right hon. Friend the need for real incentives to get the expansion programme going?

§ Mr. Mackie
The right hon. Gentleman should look at the increase in the beef herd of 22 per cent. The dairy herd and the pig herd are increasing. If the right hon. Gentleman wants to bandy about figures, he should look at his own 1394 party's record from 1953 to 1958, when the index of net output started at 103 and finished at 102.