asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he intends to take to assist the warble fly eradication campaign; and if he will make a statement.

A vigorous advisory and publicity campaign aimed at persuading farmers to adopt methods for the control of the warble fly was started by my Department last autumn, the best time to treat cattle with systemic insecticides. It will be continued in the spring when systemic or derris dressing will be recommended as appropriate, and renewed in time to encourage preventive dressing in the coming autumn.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that organophosperous systemic insecticides are subject to a 15 per cent. surcharge? Will he urge the Chancellor of the Exchequer to remove this tax from them?

I have some knowledge of the amount required to dress one animal, and I do not imagine that, even with the expert statisticians we have in the Ministry, we could calculate the amount which has been put on to the price by the surcharge.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the total exports of live animals other than for breeding or dairy purposes, and excluding exports from Northern Ireland to the Irish Republic, in the year 1963.

28,251 cattle. The returns for other animals do not distinguish between breeding and other stock. The figures are 89,254 sheep and goats and 4,245 pigs.

Does not that mean that we are exporting many thousands of live animals for slaughter each year, and is the hon. Gentleman proposing to do anything to substitute carcase trade for this live trade?

It is a quite considerable export. The difficulty is that our buyers abroad, as the hon. Gentleman knows, like the meat on the hoof. The Balfour assurances, that is, the assurances given by the importing countries, are such as to protect animals as far as we possibly can from any ill treatment in transit.

On both sides of the House and within the hon. Gentleman's own Department, there is a feeling that the more we can switch from the export of live animals to the export of carcases the better this will be from every point of view. Is the hon. Gentleman thinking in these terms and considering taking action likely to lead to an accentuation of the trend?

We are always prepared to look at improvements, but, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, if the customer wants it the other way, it takes a while to persuade him. We are looking at the matter, but it is a problem.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consult the President of the Board of Trade with a view to revising and improving the anti-dumping machinery.

Safeguards against injurious dumping are provided by the Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act, 1957, which is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. If the hon. Member has any particular difficulties in mind and will let me have the details, I will consult with my right hon. Friend as necessary.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the statement by his hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary last week that the import of eggs, for example, from Eastern Europe, is so small as not to make a difference has, by its complacency, caused a good deal of disturbance in the industry? Will he on this issue at least ensure that the Board of Trade has ready details of the internal price of eggs should Poland again try the dumping of eggs in this country this year?

As my hon. Friend said, and as I have just said, any case raising the question of dumping would be considered on its merits. If there is a case and representations are made, the question will be looked at, but it is really a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the co-operation between himself and his right hon. Friend at the Board of Trade on these matters is such that action can be taken quickly enough to be effective?

I am satisfied that the co-operation is much better than it was under my predecessor.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, at about this time of year, Ayrshire farmers get excited about the possibility of imports from Cyprus, and will he look at this matter?

I was not aware of that, but I shall certainly look at it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will seek to amend the Agriculture Act, 1957, with a view to providing longer-term guarantees for British agriculture.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take steps to provide price guarantees over a longer period of time.

I am satisfied that the Agriculture Acts of 1947 and 1957 provide adequate guarantees for the stability of the industry, and I see no need for amending legislation.

Would the right 8hon. Gentleman at least consider looking at the individual commodities to see whether further stability cannot be given to British agriculture by extending some of the three-year guarantees to perhaps five years?

I am always prepared to look at legislation to see whether we can make improvements. As I have said, we are a new Administration; we have a much more progressive outlook and will look forward.

Does my right hon. Friend intend to introduce any long-term planning for agriculture?

Yes, Sir. The Government are considering forward planning for the country as a whole and agriculture will, naturally, play its part in this planning.

Is it not within the right hon. Gentleman's memory that during the General Election he made much of the fact that he intended to introduce five-year plans for agriculture? How would these fit in with the 1947 and 1957 Acts, which laid down that there shall be an Annual Review?

The principle of long-term planning seeking to put agriculture into the broad expansion of the economy, to give it security and to have this forward look would in no way conflict with the Price Review negotiations or the fundamental concepts of not only the 1957 Act but also the 1947 Act.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to eradicate brucellosis in this country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement the suggestions of the Report on Brucellosis; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made with the problem of eradicating brucellosis in cattle; and whether he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the Answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Knutsford (Sir W. Bromley-Davenport) on 3rd February.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the proposals of the British Veterinary Association for the stamping out of the disease? Would he not agree that unless he acts soon we are likely shortly to run into difficulties with the export of livestock?

No, Sir. I read the article in question, having had a long interest in the matter. Apart from that, I am discussing the matter and am awaiting a further detailed report by my own departmental officials. It is a very difficult problem—there are questions of expense and resources—but I recognise that there is a problem, and as soon as I have anything to announce I will make a statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the report was published before Christmas? Further, is he aware of the remarks which he made in the debate as far back as June last year, when he said that the Ministry must get on with this? That was probably one of the most sensible things he has said. Is he aware that we are the only country in Western Europe which has no eradication scheme? Will he say that he will get on with it much quicker than by looking at it again?

I thought the hon. Gentleman was going to say that I shall get on with it much quicker than my predecessors did.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House when his departmental organisation was instructed to look at the matter? Is he not aware that a very full, thorough and authoritative report has been in his hands for a considerable time, and that other countries which are more progressive in this way are seriously considering curtailing our exports and, therefore, our trade, if nothing is done?

From a departmental point of view, I am still awaiting a report on further studies. When I have read and studied it, I will make a decision.

This will not do. The right hon. Gentleman has had the report a considerable time. Does he remember saying in June last year that it was only the administrative will which was stopping the scheme being brought into being? If he is to bring in a scheme, will it be the scheme that he was so anxious in June should be brought in?

I am considering it and shall act with greater speed than my predecessors did.

Owing to the extremely unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will in future years arrange with the Potato Marketing Board to give a support price earlier in the year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are his plans regarding future financial aid for the Potato Marketing Board.

The market support arrangements which are operated by the Potato Marketing Board are now being reviewed by the Agricultural Departments, the National Farmers' Unions and the Board. I cannot at this stage anticipate any conclusions that may emerge from this review.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the decision announced to the Press yesterday rejecting the advice offered him by the Potato Marketing Board is a grave one? Is he aware that I have in my hand a telegram from the Chairman of the Dorset National Farmers' Union asking me to protest in the strongest terms to the Minister and the House? Is he further aware that if he compels potato growers to sell their produce at a price below what it cost them to grow, and contrary to the advice offered to him, he incurs a very heavy responsibility?

When I met the Board and representatives of the unions concerned, I carefully considered their case and came to the conclusion that there was no need to panic at this stage. [HON. MEMBERS: "What about the right hon. Gentleman's predecessors?"] I am taking my own decision in the light of my responsibilities. I believe that the matter affects not only the producer but also prices to the consumer.

Despite the vociferous lobby opposite, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the needs of the consumers are important? Will he guarantee that there will be adequate, reasonable supplies at fair prices, not forgetting all the time that fish, particularly Hull fish, and chips constitute a basic item in the diet of all classes?

Obviously, we must balance the needs of the consumer and the producer, and that is what we are doing. As I said, we are also reviewing the market support arrangements, and discussions will go on.

The right hon. Gentleman has just said that there is no need to panic at this stage. Is he implying thereby that the request put to him by the Potato Marketing Board to intervene in the market was a panic measure? Of course it was not. Will he tell us the reasons which led him to refuse this perfectly reasonable request so that the Gov- ernment could fulfil their obligations to the potato industry and keep potatoes at a reasonable price?

I said that I would not panic, and I do not propose to do so despite the promptings from the other side of the House. I believe that the decision that I took was the right one, and I am standing by it. Obviously, I shall look at events. In view of the price situation, I felt that there was no need for action of the kind which I am being asked to take by hon. Members opposite.

Will my right hon. Friena use his good offices to try to get a re-organisation of the Potato Marketing Board, which is very much required from many points of view, not least because of the amount of "bumph" sent out to growers which they are unable to understand because of the phraseology used in the circulars? Cannot the matter be looked at with a view to simplifying the whole set-up and bringing benefits not only to the consumer but to the grower?

As I said, I am looking into the market support arrangements. On the wider question of changes in the Potato Marketing Board, that would be a matter of altering part of the Agriculture Act, 1958, and its implications. I am concentrating now on the support arrangements.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great anxiety that has been expressed as a result of his very recent decision by people who are far away from the markets? I am thinking particularly of people in the north of England. So far as the right hon. Gentleman's responsibilities go, I realise that I cannot step into Scotland. Is he aware that when he quotes average prices, such people are in a very much more difficult position than others? Will he bear this situation in mind?

I will certainly bear it in mind. I am watching the situation very carefully.

I desire to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will seek to confer wider powers on the Potato Marketing Board.

No, Sir. Wider powers could not be conferred on the Board except by an amendment to the Potato Marketing Scheme, and under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1958, Ministers are not normally empowered to initiate amendments, as this is a function of the Board itself. No draft amendments have been submitted by the Board since those approved in May, 1962.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the advice of the Potato Marketing Board, as now constituted, is to be perpetually rejected, this will be harmful to the potato trade and not helpful? Will he bear in mind, in considering the matter, that the retail price of potatoes in shops bears practically no relation to the price paid to the farmer and that a rise in the price to the farmer does not have a corresponding retail effect, as it does in the case of other products?

I do not perpetually reject the Board's advice. I have rejected it on one occasion. It is my job to do so if necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the powers of the Board are sufficient to ensure that the taxpayer's position is not prejudiced? As the price of potatoes is now below the guaranteed price, the taxpayer will suffer unless the right hon. Gentleman takes the advice of the Board.

This is one of the matters I have said we will look at. I am having discussions about the future of support arrangements.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, contrary to a reply he gave to me last week, there is continuing public disquiet about the fraudulent marketing of second-rate potatoes at first-rate prices?

That is another matter, but if my hon. Friend has an example about which he could send me information I will consider it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present situation in the north of Scotland illustrates the need for wider powers? Potatoes for seed are being sold there at £3 to £4 below the guaranteed price. The situation calls for wider powers and, indeed, immediate action by the Board.

We are discussing that, as I have said. We will certainly look into whether there is need for wider action by the Board in the case the hon. Member has mentioned.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Once more, in view of the equally unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will seek to raise this matter also on the Adjournment and at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to assist the section of the horticultural industry engaged in the production of flowers and bulbs.

Grants and Government-guaranteed credit are available to growers under the Agriculture and Horticulture Act, 1964, to help them re-equip their businesses, and they have also available to them the advice of the National Agricultural Advisory Service and the results of the experiments carried out by the N.A.A.S. at our Experimental Horticulture Stations. I am confident that, if they take full advantage of these varied facilities, they will be able to strengthen their competitive position.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is it not the case that the matters to which he has referred were instituted by his predecessors and that, since this Government have been in office, the lot of the flower and bulb growers has been considerably worsened by import duties and other actions?

Where measures taken by the previous Government were good and we can subscribe to them, we are delighted to do so. It is true that we have had to put up with certain things, but they were the result of the legacy left to us by the last Government.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these extra costs being borne by the horticultural industry will not be recouped by the Annual Price Review? What are the Government doing to help the industry bear these extremely heavy costs, which are the direct result of Government action?

I have said that some costs have risen, but I would also point out the increasing efficiency of the horticultural industry. It has been estimated that it has added about 2 per cent. to its gross income. I know the difficulties of the industry, but I am certain that it will be able to overcome them. I have great confidence in the industry's ability to do so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy is towards the easing of quantity restrictions for domestic agricultural production in view of the foreseeable increase in world population and food consumption.

The standard quantities will be determined at each Annual Review taking account of the growth of demand and of any changes necessary as a result of reviewing the balance between home production and imports.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I had hoped that there might be some reference to the requirements of the increasing world population? Are his views in that context in accord with those of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation?

Certainly. This Government, like the last Government, have always been anxious to help F.A.O. and its World Food Programme.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that his Answer means that British agriculture will have continuous expansion?

Certainly. British agriculture will be able to play its part in an expanding economy. I have repeatedly said that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the policy of the Government towards the potential growth in productivity of the agricultural industry in view of their balance of payment problems and other financial difficulties.

I welcome the industry's excellent record in improving the ratio of output to resources used and I intend to see that the industry has the necessary help and incentives to continue this valuable improvement in its productivity. As regards agriculture's contribution to import saving, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies I gave to the hon. Members for Bromsgrove (Mr. Dance) and Norfolk, South (Mr. J. E. B. Hill) on 3rd February.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while the record of agricultural productivity in the past has been exceedingly good, production could rise still further? In view of the great saving in imports and the improvement in the balance of payments situation which that would produce, will he ensure that every encouragement is given to farmers to increase production as much as possible?

Certainly. As I have said, the industry has an excellent record in productivity and we are all naturally anxious that production should rise.

In view of the action taken last year under the 1964 Act and through the negotiations and agreements made with overseas countries, would the right hon. Gentleman agree that the industry is now very firmly based to be able to expand to a satisfactory extent without imposing an undue burden on the taxpayer?

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, I agree with the main principles of the 1964 Act. I welcomed the desire to phase imports with home production.

Is the Minister aware that only yesterday the Prime Minister talked about the desirability of increasing imports from the Commonwealth? Can he assure the House that any increase in temperate foodstuffs from the Commonwealth will not be at the expense of the domestic agricultural producer?

Hon. Members must expect a responsible Minister to seek a proper balance.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many farmers are discouraged from increasing production because of increased rents? Why do we get no objection to that from the benches opposite?

I accept what my hon. Friend has said, because on a previous occasion we believe that instructions to the arbitrator under Conservative legislation led to increases in rents.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that there is some anxiety that the total acreage under potato cultivation is too near the theoretical acreage needed for total consumption; and what his policy is likely to be.

The potato acreage is one of the factors to be taken into account at the Annual Review, and I cannot anticipate its outcome.

Is my right hon. Friend happy about the predictability of the potato crop in this country? Is he aware that there is some anxiety that the difference between the permissive acreage and the actual crop is somewhat marginal?

I am aware of this, but, as I have said, we shall be discussing this matter very soon.

If the right hon. Gentleman goes on treating potato growers as he has done in the last week or so, whatever he says about acreage or prices he will not get enough potatoes grown next year.

Since the right hon. Gentleman became a "shadow" he is always speaking nonsense.

In fixing the acreage for the coming season, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that a variation of even a ton an acre can have a catastrophic effect on the supply of potatoes coming forward? Will he also bear in mind that last season's conditions have resulted in rather more machinery damage than usual and that fewer potatoes of high quality are coming on to the market? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear all this in mind and listen for once to what the Potato Marketing Board has to say?

Certainly I will listen, but that does not mean to say that I have to take everyone's advice.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make the payment of deficiency grants to farmers less dependent upon the strict observance of such procedures as that whereby a farmer is prejudiced in receiving his deficiency payments for cereals if his claim does not reach the Ministry before the appropriate closing date.

As my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary stated in reply to a Question from the hon. Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Scott-Hopkins) on 11th December, he is reviewing the conditions governing acceptance of late claims, to satisfy himself that they are just and reasonable taking account of both the number of applicants whose claims are late and the overwhelming number of applicants who succeed in getting their claims in on time.

When the right hon. Gentleman is doing so, will he bear in mind that some farmers have borne grave and unnecessary hardship? Will he also bear in mind that it is unreasonable to expect farmers to have Civil Service minds and see to it that in future these regulations are carried out with greater flexibility and far less bureaucratic pedantry?

We do our best to meet cases where people quite legitimately make mistakes. I have made a number of them myself. Notices are sent to the farmers, and if they do not return their claims they get another notice before the closing date reminding them that they have not submitted applications. After all, it is the farmers who want to collect the money and we think it reasonable that they might send in applications for it.

When will the Minister make the deficiency payment to potato growers of the 1960 crop in Ulster?

If the hon. Gentleman wants to know about that, he had better put down a Question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many fatal tractor accidents there were in the South-West in the last year; and how many of the people concerned were under the age of 15 years.

There were nine fatal tractor accidents in the South-Western Region in 1964. One was to a boy of 12 who was driving a tractor in breach of the Agriculture (Avoidance of Accidents to Children) Regulations, 1958.

Will not the hon. Gentleman agree that this figure is far too high? Will he consider introducing legislation to prevent these tragic accidents? Is he aware that in my constituency there have been two fatal accidents to young boys since October? Will he consider increasing to 15 the age at which a boy can drive these very modern and powerful tractors?

These cases concern all of us. I remind the House that we employ 400 safety officers to try to prevent this sort of accident and that we have carried out considerable safety programmes by television, leaflets, demonstrations and so on. Of course, we regret these accidents. They are frequently the result of a member of the family being allowed to drive a tractor, and then it is sufficient punishment when anything like this happens.

Can my hon. Friend say whether there was a prosecution in the case of a boy of 12 driving a tractor?

This was a tragedy and the people involved have already been sufficiently punished without my making the matter more public. However, if my hon. Friend, or anybody else, is interested£and I can understand the reasons for asking the question£I shall be willing to give him the facts.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the publicity campaign to reduce accidents on farms, in particular to reduce tractor accidents; and if he will make a statement.

No, Sir, I shall not be satisfied until accidents on farms are sub stantially reduced. A great deal of publicity is aimed at reducing tractor accidents and we shall continue to use all resources available: press, sound broadcasting, television, leaflets, posters, lectures, films, demonstrations and safety exhibits at agricultural shows. We are making strong efforts to increase the effectiveness of the campaign. I shall be pleased to consider any suggestions the hon. Member may care to make.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will he not agree that only legislation will prevent these deaths? Will he not agree to look into the matter again to see whether he should not introduce legislation?

It is not only a matter of legislation, for the human factor is involved; but we are certainly considering whether we can make other safety regulations to improve the situation.

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that the 400 safety inspectors who operate throughout the country have to take this work in their stride with many other duties and that, as a consequence, many thousands of farms have not yet been visited by these safety inspectors?

The inspectors do a first-class job. We have recently added to their number. They try to get round as many farms as possible, but they are human beings and they can do only as much as the human frame will permit.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he is aware of the large number of unbroken ponies and foals now exported under special licence of the Exportation of Horses Order, 1910; and if he will accordingly withdraw the Order;

I am aware that in recent years an increasing number of licences have been granted under the Exportation of Horses Order of 1910. We have the working of this Order under consideration. We are grateful to the hon. Member for his letters and are looking into the figures which he has been good enough to bring to our notice.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that, while nobody wants to do anything to impede the genuine export of horses and ponies for breeding, people are genuinely worried about disreputable dealers climbing on to this bandwagon and selling horses and ponies abroad for slaughter? Is he aware that the figures which I have already sent to him and which have been compiled by the Horses and Ponies Protection Association show that the f.o.b. price for an unregistered horse is now equal to the killing price for meat on the Continent, which is the factor where the concern lies?

I appreciate the figures which the hon. Gentleman has given to me, but at the same time, apart from our powers to require inspection in the 1950 Act, we have no powers to prevent the slaughter of these animals once exported. It is only this Order which allows the animals to escape inspection when they are destined for slaughter. We are considering the position.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to set up an agricultural credit organisation which will have special responsibilities for providing farmers with medium-term credit at reasonable rates of interest.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 3rd February to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Mr. George Y. Mackie).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement in my Question was part of a speech given by the then Deputy Leader of the Labour Party at Swaffham, Norfolk, in July 1963, and later reprinted in a booklet called "British Farms—New Security"—and that many small farmers are anxiously awaiting the introduction of this credit organisation so that they can take up grants under the horticulture and other schemes?

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman has carefully read our statements. As I said to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland, I am carefully looking into this question and, when we come to a decision, we shall announce it.

Was this not looked into very carefully when the right hon. Gentleman made the pledge? What does he mean by "reasonable rates of interest"?

I made the pledge in principle. It was inevitable that when we assumed power the legislation required to carry out some of these principles would have to be carefully looked into. Apart from that, we have to consult the interests concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a tendency to believe that he should do more and review less?

The hon. Gentleman will accept the principle that before we make final decisions on very important matters we should consult the farming interests.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his Department's estimate of the number of small farmers who earn less than an agricultural worker's wage.

There is no official estimate as regards full-time small farmers. As regards other small farmers, about 175,000 agricultural holdings in England and Wales, or one-half of the total, are estimated to provide only part-time employment for the occupiers. Most of these occupiers are likely to earn less than a farm worker's wage from their holdings but the majority have other jobs or sources of incomes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 16th December, in answer to a Written Question of mine about one of his advisers, Mr. Emrys Jones, he said that in answer to a question at Colchester, Mr. Emrys Jones had said that there were 60,000 small farmers who fell into this category? If he agrees with his official, can he say when he will raise the standard of the incomes of small farmers to farm workers' wages, plus the interest on the capital invested in their farms?

The position of the small farmer will also be carefully considered at the Annual Price Review.

If a large landowner developed only a small corner of his estate for farming, would he be regarded as a small farmer?

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will institute a comprehensive survey of the position of small farmers to find out, having regard to local physical conditions, what correlation there may be between size of business and the age of the occupier, length of occupation, agricultural training and experience, amount of capital available, off-farm earnings, use of advisory and other official facilities and grants, use of credit and any co-operative services available, and any other relevant factors.

Various surveys carried out in the last few years have yielded a good deal of information on the position of the small farmer. I shall keep in mind the desirability of improving our knowledge, but I do not think that the additional information to be gained from a comprehensive survey would justify the very large effort and cost it would entail.

Is it really so involved? It is the hard core of the problem which is really complicated, and that relates to those full-time small farmers whose scale of business is not large enough to give a satisfactory income. Such a survey, I believe, has been carried out in America with very good results.

Yes, I would agree with the hon. Gentleman but there is a tremendous amount of information already available, if he wants it and will read it carefully. Surveys of that description have to be accurate, and they are obtained at considerable cost. However, as he knows, there are various surveys which have been carried out by some colleges and universities and others, and which are very interesting, such as "The Small Farmers Scheme", in Devon; "The Nuffield Farm Project"; "Farmers who earn less than£10 a week", by Professor Britton and Gwyn E. Jones; "The Economic position and prospects of some small farms in Wales". We have all these to go on, and I really think that at the present moment we have sufficient information.

If the hon. Gentleman thinks he has sufficient information, will he make certain he uses that information to good effect?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will make his decision on the importation of Charolais cattle.

I have called for a further progress report on the cross-breeding trials with Charolais bulls. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are seeking the comments of the industry on the information available with a view to reaching a decision within the next few weeks.

I appreciate that there are numerous views to be taken into consideration before a decision is made, but will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, in particular, that if an affirmative decision is made there will in all probability be a time lag before importation can take place because suitable unvaccinated stock may not be available?

I will bear that in mind.

We are delighted to hear from the right hon. Gentleman that he actually intends to take a decision within the next three weeks.

If these cattle are imported into this country, will the Minister bear in mind what happened the last time that cattle came here? There was a case of leptospirosis while they were in quarantine. Surely this sort of thing has a very bad effect on our export market. Secondly, can the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the trials? Are they complete? We have not yet seen the report on the second part of the trials.

I understand that the trials have been completed. I am waiting for an examination of the reports on the trials.

Is my right hon. Friend distinguishing between importations from France and importations from, say, Canada?

That is a matter which will be looked into.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reduction he expects there will be in the scarcity of beef.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 3rd February to the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, East (Mr. WolrigeGordon).

Is the right hon. Gentleman expecting an increase in the price of milk? Secondly, will he do his utmost to ensure that his advisory officers use every means available to advise farmers on the best ways to cut down on the very considerable proportion of calves which die before they are reared or which are unsuitable cross-breeds for beef rearing?

The whole question of increased home supplies is very important. We are—[Interruption.] As hon. Members know, the Annual Review starts today. They would not like me to go beyond that.

Could my right hon. Friend say how many matters in his Department need decision and the introduction of legislation? Would he say whether he considers this a direct reflection on the sloth and laxity of the previous Administration?

That is a little wide of the Question, which is about the scarcity of beef.

:In the course of the Review, will the Minister reconsider his refusal to consider carrying out trials in respect of the Sussex cattle?

That does not arise from the Question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will announce his decision about the price of Channel Islands milk.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Bessell) and others on 3rd February last.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why his right hon. Friend turned down the recommendations of the Thorold Committee? Unless the House is told the real reasons, it will have to draw the conclusion that this was done purely for party doctrinaire reasons.

The hon. Gentleman can draw what conclusions he likes, but if he draws that one he will be quite wrong. My right hon. Friend had to weigh up the circumstances. He had been asked to make a considerable increase in the price of this particular milk. Having looked at the figures, he decided to make an increase which he thought would be fair to the producer and, at the same time, fair to the consumer, who is not unimportant.

Would the hon. Gentleman say what were the factors which led his right hon. Friend to decide against freeing the price of quality milk?

I think that I have answered that. Channel Islands milk represents about 7 or 8 per cent. of the total sales of liquid milk. It is not unimportant.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that any premium earned by Channel Islands milk comes from the market demand for it? Is it fair to the consumer to restrict the price and, hence, the production of a luxury article for which there is an increasing demand?

It is not a question of seeking to restrict it, because it does even better—[Interruption.] I have already told the right hon. Gentleman Channel Islands milk is not an unimportant part of the liquid milk available to consumers in this country. I am bound to point out once more that it is already enjoying l½d. a pint more than ordinary milk. Because of the quantity available, and by making an increase in price which was not insubstantial, we thought that we were being fair to the consumer and to the producer.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what results have been achieved by his discussions over rising food prices.

In answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) on 20th January, I described the general nature of these discussions, saying that I had expressed the Government's point of view and had received assurances from the various trade associations that they would recommend their members to hold down prices and absorb cost increases to the greatest possible extent. I trust and have every confidence that these assurances will be honoured.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell his economic overlord the First Secretary that a large part of the increases in food prices has been brought about by his Government's own policy? Will he make it plain that the agricultural industry and the food processing industry have put up prices only because they were forced to do so as a result of the economic measures imposed by the Government?

The discussions which I have had with the trade interests confirm that the Government's actions, which we had to take, have in no way affected prices in the way suggested.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when the Conservative Party was in power food prices rose by over 50 per cent. without any effective action being taken? Is he further aware that any action which he takes along the lines he is suggesting will be received with great satisfaction by the people of this country?

Certainly. My right hon. Friend the First Secretary is anxious to set up machinery to deal with specific cases.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he proposes to include arsanilic acid in the Veterinary Safety Precautions Scheme; and whether he will make a statement.

The question of clearance of this substance under the Veterinary Products Safety Precautions Scheme is still under consideration.

Will the hon. Gentleman suggest to his right hon. Friend that this matter is of sufficient importance to be taken out of the unfortunate position of being enclosed with so many other hundreds of measures being looked at or which are under consideration? Those concerned with this important matter would feel happier if we were told that it was put under the blotting paper or was at least in such a position that it might be acted on more quickly?

As the hon. Gentleman knows very well, poisons and additives in food are a very important matter which cannot hastily be judged. The Advisory Committee which deals with this matter takes very great care to ensure that the matter is dealt with properly. Any hasty action would be to the detriment of the consumer. As the hon. Gentleman knows, accidents with drugs have happened.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made in the improvement of flood defences in Market Harborough.

The Welland River Board has put forward proposals for the protection of Market Harborough from flooding. These present certain problems which require further consideration by engineers.

During the Minister's four months or so in office, has his attention been drawn to the fact that Market Harborough has been flooded more frequently in recent years than any other town in the country? Will he try to put a bit of urgency into these plans, and particularly the overflow plan which is now in preparation?

I am grateful to the hon. Member for absolving me from the blame for the years that have gone. I realise the seriousness of the matter and I know that there are certain engineering difficulties which it will take some little time to overcome. I certainly assure the hon. Member, however, that we will do all that is humanly possible to expedite a decision in the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what long-term steps he is taking to ensure adequate supplies of beef at reasonable prices in the shops.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to increase the supply of meat from home sources.

Future policy on home production, which provides over 70 per cent. of our total consumption, is a matter for the Annual Review which I cannot anticipate. As regards imports, there is a current shortage on the world market due to a reduction in available supplies and the increase in demand.

While thanking the Minister for that Answer, may I ask whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Argentine now supplies most of its meat to Common Market countries and, furthermore, that the chairman of the veal producers in this country has forecast that for the next five years there will be a shortage of beef? In view of these two facts, may I ask the Minister whether, in the forthcoming Price Review, he will give a real incentive to traditional British beef producers to make good the threatened shortage?

I recognise the facts that have been mentioned but, obviously, I cannot comment now on Annual Review matters.

In considering what encouragement to give to British farmers, and particularly Scottish farmers, to produce more meat, will my right hon. Friend at the same time encourage his right hon. Friends to discourage the practice which was encouraged under the previous Administration of exporting some of the best of our beef to the Continent of Europe?

One has to keep this matter in the right perspective. If exports got out of hand, they might well then be a matter for decision and action.

Is the Minister aware that there is one way in which he can quite quickly improve the supply of home-produced beef, and that is by extending the calf subsidy to Friesian heifer calves, and that it is time that this long out-of-date anomaly was ended?

As the hon. Member knows, this is a matter which will be considered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has now made of the increased annual costs to the farming industry in England and Wales, respectively, due to the increase of 6d. per gallon on petrol and diesel oil.

Separate figures for England and Wales are not available, but the estimated increase in cost in England and Wales together is about £2 million in a full year.

Does the Minister agree that this might be described as one of several elements which have led to increased costs in food production?

Yes, it is a certain element, but not a very large one.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the First Secretary wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer complaining about the price increase?

No.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many agricultural holdings there were in Wales at the latest convenient date; and how this compares with the number five years earlier.

In June, 1964, there were 49,444 holdings in Wales with more than an acre of land used for agriculture; in June, 1959 the comparable figure was 52,970. Two-thirds of the decrease of 3,526 occurred in holdings of under 20 acres, including part-time and spare-time holdings.

In how many cases have the reductions in the number of holdings resulted from amalgamation?

We cannot give the actual figure, but a considerable number were due to amalgamation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give favourable consideration to extending the period of one week for the rubber-ringed castration of lambs under the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act, 1964.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) on 3rd February.

I am aware of the reply that was given to the hon. Member for South Angus, but I wonder whether my hon. Friend will further consider this matter. I am not a member of an official organistion to make representations to him, but on behalf of my constituents and as a reasonable Member of Parliament I am now making representations that this question be gone into. I do so for the simple reason that many sheep farmers in Scotland are greatly concerned at this one-week period of lamb castration and they find that when they are bringing in their lambs for the purpose of castration, it does much more harm to the unborn lambs in the sheep that are being brought in than the saving of pain to the lambs which are castrated throughout the week. I would wish my hon. Friend to give further consideration to this matter at the earliest opportunity.

My hon. Friend can take it that the Government always considers the opinions of minorities, however small they may be. He must, however, appreciate that we have to look into this matter through the representations given to the British Veterinary Association, whose advice we must take and with whom, I know, there has been consultation by representative bodies in Scotland. I do not know whether the representations have been strong enough when the advice reaches the Association's headquarters, which is the source from which we get it before acting upon it.

Is the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware of the report in one of the farming newspapers at the weekend of the views expressed by Dr. John Watt, secretary of the Scottish branch of the British Veterinary Association and also lecturer in veterinary science at the East of Scotland School of Agriculture, which appeared to lean rather heavily towards the views expressed by the farming community in this matter? Will the hon. Gentleman consider this?

It will certainly be taken into consideration.

May I remind my hon. Friend that there is a great deal to be said from the point of view of a practical man, especially a practical farmer?

Will the Minister bear in mind the urgency of this matter, because in three months' time this process will be due to be carried out again? The matter is important not only for this reason, but also because people who have tended sheep all their lives are convinced that this is by far the best method to use?

I note what the hon. Member has said.