HL Deb 10 February 1966 vol 272 cc879-80

3.9 p.m.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the statement by the Minister of Agriculture on January 25, in which the possibility of increasing imports of food was suggested as a means of dealing with the dissatisfaction felt by farmers over the available return to them in the industry, represents the official agricultural policy of Her Majesty's Government.]

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD CHAMPION)

My Lords, my right honourable friend's statement regretted the issue by the National Farmers' Union of a questionnaire which could only be construed by public opinion—as Press reports had shown—as a threat, issued before the Annual Review discussions had begun, of industrial action if the farmers' wishes were not met. My right honourable friend also emphasised that, if an artificial shortage of food were created, it would be his responsibility as Minister of Food to ensure sufficient food supplies, regardless of their source, to feed the people of this country. This represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government. Indeed, it would be the policy of any responsible Government.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for his reply. But would he not agree with me, on reflection, that it might have been wiser if the Minister had restrained himself from making what was, after all, a provocative remark to the agricultural community, and possibly involving himself in what was a private question between one trade organisation and its members?

LORD CHAMPION

My Lords, nothing provocative was intended here. But, of course, there is a threat made to the supplies of food to the people of this country, and the Minister has to say what action he will take. I would have thought that in the circumstances he was justified, and quite right, in making the statement he did. In any case, if there are two parties to any argument it is not for one side to open its mouth rather too wide, and for the other to keep its mouth firmly shut.

LORD INGLEWOOD

My Lords, by the same token, if there is a rail strike next week, are the Government going to import engine drivers?

LORD CHAMPION

Full marks!