§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is prepared to convene a conference representing the National Farmers Union, the agricultural workers unions and other representative bodies, in order to give the industry the benefit of a long term policy which will guarantee economic prices for farming and conditions of prosperity and security for those engaged in it together with the supply of cottages and equipment upon a priority basis.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsNo. Government long-term policy has already been framed and announced. The Agriculture Act, 1947, gives the agricultural industry a system of assured markets and guaranteed prices for its principal products, and the Agricultural Expansion programme drawn up last year, after consultation with representatives of the industry, provides definite targets up to 1952, which all sections of the industry accepted as their share in the national effort. Efficiency of production is being encouraged under the Act through the National Agricultural Advisory Service and county A.E.C.'s. and rates of wages for workers in the industry are safeguarded by the Agricultural Wages Act. The Government are also actively pursuing their policy of providing the necessary equipment to enable the industry to achieve its programme, including the supply of rural cottages.