§ 1. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet held discussions with the National Farmers Union of Scotland on an agricultural development plan; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. George Younger)I have spoken informally with representatives of the National Farmers Union of Scotland on several occasions but I am not yet ready to institute formal consultations.
§ Mr. GrimondIs the Secretary of State aware that real farm incomes in Scotland have fallen by 84 per cent. in the past five years and now look set to fall by more? Will he treat this as a matter of urgency? Is he aware that the matter has been dragging on and that the farming community is badly in need not just of more money but of more confidence?
§ Mr. YoungerI appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's point about confidence. That is the most important factor. Two factors are involved. The first is income aid for farmers. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the Government have done more than any previous Government to increase the amount of help for farmers, especially those in Highland areas. Secondly, there are structural changes. That is what will be involved here if the programme comes into being.
§ Sir Hector MonroWhen my right hon. Friend has discussions with the National Farmers Union of Scotland, which does such a splendid job for agriculture, will he bear in mind that all of the less-favoured areas should be examined, rather than just one as against another? Bearing in mind the recent drop in farm incomes, will he do all that he can to help less-favoured areas, especially hill areas in Scotland?
§ Mr. YoungerI agree that the high-ground areas of livestock production have had the most difficult time recently. We shall try to help all farmers in those areas.