HC Deb 02 August 1957 vol 574 cc277-8W
Mr. J. E. R. Hill

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what additional measures he has in mind to further the Government's policy of en couraging the fullest use of our grassland resources.

Mr. Amory

The Government have made clear in successive Review White Papers that the fullest use of our grassland resources is a chief element in their agricultural policy, and there are a number of schemes, e.g., the drainage and ploughing grants and the fertiliser, liming and silo subsidies which further this objective. They would, however, welcome any other steps that might usefully be taken in this direction, and to that end the Home Secretary, the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have decided to appoint a Committee of Inquiry on this subject with the following terms of referenceTo consider methods of further stimulating the better production and use of grass, in conjunction with other green fodder crops, with a view to reducing the cost of production of livestock and livestock products and securing economies in imports of feedingstuffs, and to make recommendations.

The Chairman of the Committee will be Sir Sidney Caine, K.C.M.G.; membership of the Committee will be announced later.