§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has given consideration to the resolution on the ploughing of grassland passed by the Stirling committee of the National Farmers' Union and the Chamber of Agriculture of Scotland indicating that members in that county are reluctant to plough more land until such time as the Government makes known what minimum prices are to be made available for the various crops, that producers are bound to pay minimum wages, and are therefore entitled to have economic prices fixed for their produce; and whether he can make a favourable declaration on this point?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am aware of the representations referred to. I fully agree that farmers should receive a fair return on the increased production resulting from the ploughing-up campaign, and assurances 267W have already been given to this effect. While it is impossible to foresee all the conditions which will affect next year's production it is difficult, as the hon. Member will appreciate, to put firm prices on the crops of that year. I shall continue to keep a close watch on the position, however, in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Minister of Food.