HC Deb 13 May 1970 vol 801 cc1218-9
6. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the increase in the cost of food per week for an average family of four consequent on the abolition of the present system of financial aid for agriculture.

Mr. Hoy

The immediate abolition of all agricultural support would have such radical and unpredictable effects on the existing pattern of home production, supplies and prices, that it is impossible to assess what the increased cost of food might be.

Mr. Hamilton

Is it not the case that the Tory Party policy is precisely this?

Hon. Members

No.

Mr. Hamilton

We should like to know the Tory Party policy very much. Is it not the case that if there was complete abolition of this kind of support, the average increase for a family of four would be in the region of 8s. a week? Is this the way to keep prices down?

Mr. Hoy

I do not think that there is any doubt that if the support programme was abolished it would be bound to have a reaction which would mean very expensive food indeed.

Mr. Godber

Would the hon. Gentleman explain to his hon. Friend that this is not what the Opposition are proposing and that they are proposing the elimination of deficiency payments, which is only one part of this, which is a very different matter, and which the Minister has said will put only between 4 per cent. and 7 per cent. on the price of food?

Mr. Hoy

I do not think that it is for me to explain the policy of the party opposite. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, a meeting in the constituency of Banffshire has a motion on the agenda asking the Tory Party to state its policy on this matter. Apparently it does not have one.