National Farmers' Union

HC Deb 14 December 1978 vol 960 cc900-2

12. Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends next to meet the president of the National Farmers' Union.

Mr. John Silkin

I keep in close touch with the president of the National Farmers' Union, but at present I have no plans for a meeting.

Mr. Latham

Will the Minister be discussing with the president the Labour Party conference policy of agricultural land nationalisation, which the Under-Secretary of State supports? Does the right hon. Gentleman personally support it?

Mr. Silkin

I certainly support the fact that 3 million acres of agricultural land in this country are already publicly owned. If I may say so, they are at least as efficient as those in the hands of absentee landlords.

Mr. Watkinson

When my right hon. Friend next meets the president, will be discuss the future of the dairy industry? Is he aware of attempts to import liquid milk into this country? Is it the case that only health and hygiene regulations are keeping out that milk? Will he take measures to ensure that the dairy industry of Great Britain is protected?

Mr. Silkin

The health and hygiene regulations are of such importance in ensuring that the proper standards of liquid milk in this country are maintained that we shall do everything possible to preserve them. They are one of the factors which at present keep out inferior milk from our country.

Mr. Wells

When the Minister next meets the president, will he take steps to ensure that the chairman of the central horticultural committee of the NFU is also present?

Mr. Silkin

That would be unusual. However, if the hon. Gentleman means "Will I take an interest in horticulture? ". the answer is" Certainly ".

Miss Maynard

Can my right hon. Friend say when he intends to meet the general secretary of the farm workers' union in view of recent happenings? For instance, has he noted that 92 hon. Members have signed a motion supporting the farm workers' claim for average industrial earnings? Is he aware that the farmers on the Agricultural Wages Board are saying that they would have offered more than 5 per cent. had they not been afraid that the Government would apply sanctions? In view of last night's vote, will he reconsider this matter and meet the leaders of the farm workers' union again with a view to giving skilled and important workers, such as farm workers, a return which adequately compensates them for their importance to the country's economy?

Mr. Silkin

I am always glad to meet the general secretary, and as my hon. Friend knows I met him very recently indeed. I should like to clear up one misconception—the task of the Agricultural Wages Board is to fix a minimum rate, not to make a national agreement as such. The difficulty with farm workers—and no one knows this better than my hon. Friend—is that one is dealing with literally thousands of employers scattered over the countryside, with very small numbers of workers per farm. That in itself makes for difficulties. But I personally think that it would be good if the farmers could enter into self-financing productivity agreements with their individual workers. There is nothing to stop them from doing so, and I shall do anything I can to encourage it.

Mr. Ralph Howell

Will the Minister now give a proper answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Melton (Mr. Latham)? Will he answer "Yes" or "No" whether he personally supports the idea of agricultural land nationalisation?

Mr. Silkin

I did not think that I had tried to dodge the question. On the contrary, I pointed out that 3 million acres of publicly owned agricultural land had been very efficient.