HC Deb 07 April 1971 vol 815 cc441-2
34. Mr. W. H. K. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the total Exchequer support for agriculture under the 1971 Price Review he estimates will go to hill and upland farmers in Scotland.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

No precise estimates can be made of the proportion of Exchequer support going to particular classes of farmers. Hill and upland farmers are estimated to get £14.2 million in specific hill farming subsidies in 1971–72 in addition to a share of the other capital and production grants and deficiency payments.

Mr. Baker

While welcoming the additional cash flow that will result from the last Price Review, particularly in the hill areas, may I ask my hon. Friend to give the House an assurance that this is but a first step towards improving the productivity of these vital areas in the uplands of Scotland?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I believe that producers in the hill and upland areas have an important part to play in the total agricultural production. What took place in the Price Review is proof of our endeavour to help them.

Mr. Maclennan

Does the Minister believe that the cuts in the lime and fertiliser subsidy, the ending of grants to pest clearance societies and the charges for what was formerly free technical assistance to the industry in the hill and upland areas will assist productivity and production in those areas?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I would like the hon. Gentleman to acknowledge the fact that the award for sheep producers in this Review is the biggest single award ever made. I would also invite him to read some of the comments by farmers in the hill and upland areas. Then I think he will take back some of the things he has said.

40. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what expansion he has in mind for Scottish agriculture as a result of the 1971 Price Review.

41. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the effect of the 1971 Price Review on the agricultural industry in Scotland.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The determinations at the 1971 Annual Review are designed to provide the resources and the confidence necessary for expansion of agriculture in Scotland, in particular the production of meat and cereals.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

I congratulate my hon. Friend on a most excellent review for agriculture. Do the Government have any plans in mind about the need to stop the constant drift from the land which has gone on for so long?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for what he has said. Judging from the comments in Scotland about the review, it seems to have received a very general welcome. The measures we are taking to increase the prosperity of Scottish agriculture generally should help to deal with the problem of the drift from the land.

Mr. William Hamilton

If it was such a splendid review, why did the National Farmers Union just note it?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I know that the hon. Gentleman does not read all the agricultural journals or go to all the agricultural meetings, even in his constituency. I suggest that if he did that for a week or two he might change his view.