§ 3.6 p.m.
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (LORD CARRINGTON)My Lords, this order extends until December 31, 1953, the order originally made in 1948 under Section 95 of the Agriculture Act, but the only part of Section 95 which is at present being used is subsection (2) (d), which authorises the Minister of Agriculture to give directions limiting the area of pasture on any particular holding. I do not think it is necessary for me to tell your Lordships how important it is that we should grow more food in this country, or, indeed, that we should maintain the tillage acreage. We had a severe decline in tillage acreage in 1949, 1950 and 1951. This decline was checked in 1952 by the Ploughing Grants Scheme. I do not suggest that this order will in itself mean that we shall have a great increase in tillage acreage, but there is a large measure of agreement amongst all your Lordships, I think, that it is necessary to have in reserve this power to deal with a few farmers who are not prepared to play any part in the drive to increase production. It is only when persuasion and the full resources of the advisory services have failed that we shall resort to compulsion under this order. I think your Lordships will agree that if such men are allowed to get away with complete non-co-operation it is discouraging to the farmer who is pulling his weight, while we have the present need for maximum production of food at home. I think your Lordships will agree that we must continue this order for another year, after which time we will review the position. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Agriculture (Special Directions) (Maximum Area of Pasture) Extension of Period Order, 1952, reported from the Special Orders Committee on Wednesday last, be approved.—(Lord Carrington.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.