HC Deb 10 April 1974 vol 872 cc428-9
26. Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial help he intends to give to the producers of fat cattle.

Mr. William Ross

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced on 25th March, the Government will be submitting proposals to increase the calf subsidy by £10 per calf. This will benefit beef producers as a whole and is in addition to the existing range of beef production grants.

Mr. Monro

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that to give a calf subsidy to some calves in July is no help to those farmers who are sending fat cattle to the markets now? Does he accept that since his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food went to Brussels there has been a catastrophic drop in confidence in the beef industry, and that this will be to the longterm harm of not only agriculture but consumers?

Mr. Ross

Confidence in the beef industry and the changes in prices have nothing to do with my right hon. Friend's visit to Brussels. The hon. Gentleman should appreciate that there were calls for action on the matter while he was still in office, and his right hon. and hon. Friends did nothing about it.

Mr. Fairgrieve

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that if the beef industry were merely receiving the same subvention prices as are now operating in Brussels it would be all right?

Mr. Ross

The hon. Gentleman should appreciate what we have done. We had to bear in mind the needs of the consumer as well. I thought that the hon. Gentleman would have appreciated that.

Mr. Watt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only an early return to the deficiency payments scheme will satisfy the beef producer?

Mr. Ross

The hon. Gentleman is a bit late with that one.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that at Brussels his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food sold the agricultural industry down the river by his abandonment of the intervention system? Does he realise that it is to the advantage not only of the beef producer but of the consumer that adequate supplies are forthcoming? Under the policy which the Government are following the consumer, as well as the farmer, will eventually be sold down the river.

Mr. Ross

If anyone sold anyone down the river in relation to Brussels, Opposition Members must take responsibility for the fact that we are no longer free agents.

Mr. Kimball

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one way in which to help the beef industry will be for the right hon. Gentleman to use his influence to ensure that the licences for the export of cattle are reissued very quickly?

Mr. Ross

That is worth considering. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the industry receives assistance of £100 million a year from the Government.