HC Deb 01 December 1925 vol 188 cc2065-6W
Mr. SPENCER

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the

Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that the agricultural industry will not be on the same terms as regards pensions contributions as other industries. As from 4th January next the contributions payable by employers of agricultural labour will be as follows:—

Minister of Agriculture, whether, in view of the great expenditure of public money and the unsatisfactory results of the slaughter policy to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, he contemplates recommending some change of policy?

Sir H. BARNSTON

The Ministry's policy with regard to foot-and-mouth disease has been reviewed by several Departmental Committees during the last few years. These Committees have reported that, until an effective preventive agent is discovered, there is no satisfactory alternative to the slaughter policy. No change of policy is, therefore, contemplated.