§ 5. Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the executive of the Aberdeen and Kincardine branch of the Scottish National Farmers Union to discuss the problems facing farmers in north-east Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythMy noble Friend the Minister of State met representatives of the Aberdeen and Kincardine branch on 12 November 1987.
§ Mr. BruceDoes the Minister recognise that the state of the agriculture industry in the north-east of Scotland is in particular difficulties and extraordinary circumstances? Does he acknowledge that particularly in the pig-rearing sector, which accounts for half of Scotland, the Government's failure so far to introduce a devaluation of the green pound or an adjustment in monetary compensatory amounts is causing genuine anxiety? What assurance can he give that the Government will press for an early and substantial devaluation?
§ Mr. ForsythThe Government are well aware of the strong feeling among farmers about the green pound, and we shall certainly take that into account when we consider the extent of any green pound devaluation to be negotiated in the context of the annual Community price-fixing negotiations later this spring. I am sure the hon. Gentleman is aware that the devaluation that the United Kingdom secured under the 1987 price fixing substantially improved our competitive position in relation to our main competitors.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingHas the Minister had an opportunity to study the excellent document produced by Dr. Dalton in November 1987, which outlined the critical position of farmers, especially in the north-east of Scotland? How can we take any encouragement from his reply when Scottish Office Ministers do not attend our debates on agriculture, when Opposition Members argue strongly for support for that vital industry, which, in Grampian region, is responsible for 30 per cent. of the region's total output?
§ Mr. ForsythI am surprised at the tone of the hon. Lady's question. Surely she is aware of the initiative that was taken by my noble Friend in consultation with the National Farmers Union of Scotland? They have established a short-term joint counselling initiative to offer advice to farmers who are experiencing financial difficulties. The initiative involved not only the Department and the SNFU, but the Scottish agricultural colleges and the Scottish clearing banks. It is now well 287 under way. I am not certain what the hon. Lady meant by her criticism about Ministers attending debates, but perhaps we can settle that later.
Mr. Andy StewartOn behalf of my relatives, who are all farmers in Scotland, may I ask my hon. Friend to tell the House by how much the Government have increased expenditure on agriculture in Scotland during the past five years?
§ Mr. ForsythI shall write to my hon. Friend.