asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the current level of returns to dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement.

The level of returns to milk producers is a matter for the Farm Price Review, at which all the relevant factors are taken into account.

Will not the Minister agree that the modest increase given at the Price Review has been entirely swallowed up by rising costs this summer; and that dairy farmers are going through a very difficult lime at this moment?

Milk production has been running high this year, as the hon. Member knows, and there are good prospects of a recovery in prices during the winter. A prediction I can make is that average prices for the year April-March should be about the same as last year.

Is it not true that some of these dairy farmers are passing through a very difficult time because they are having to pay too much rent?

If my hon. Friend will put down a Question to me on that aspect, I shall be glad to answer.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made in reducing the import of dairy produce.

Imports of butter, near-butters and butter mixtures are subject to quota. Discussions are proceeding with overseas suppliers with a view to a measure of voluntary limitation on the export of cheddar-type cheese to our market.

Will not the Minister agree that these voluntary agreements do not seem to be working? Can he not take more definite action to prevent an increase in the import of dairy products?

The hon. Gentleman will know that discussions are still in progress, and therefore it would not be possible for me to comment on that point. But I should add that the news that discussions are taking place has had a good effect on market sentiment, which still persists.

But will not the Minister admit that his proposals for the control of imports in this way have failed? Will he not address himself to some real way of effectively reducing cheese imports, which are having an intolerable effect? Will he not impose quotas, such as has been done with butter?

I came to the conclusion that the steps I am now taking are the best and most rapid method of controlling the imports of cheese to this country. It is quite wrong to say that they have failed: the negotiations are still proceeding.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what consultations he has had with the Scottish National Farmers Union and other interested bodies following the report of the Reorganisation Commission for Eggs;

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a statement on future arrangements for distribution of shell eggs; and on the reconstruction or abandonment of the Egg Marketing Board.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be able to announce Her Majesty's Government's decision about the recommendations in the report of the Rowland Wright Commission with regard to the marketing of eggs.

I am not yet in a position to make a statement. My colleagues and I have received comments on the report from the three farmers' unions and other interested bodies in the United Kingdom and there have been meetings at their request with some of these bodies. We are giving urgent consideration to the recommendations of the Reorganisation Commission in the light of the views expressed.

Can the Minister give the House an assurance that when it comes to finalising any arrangements that may be come to the interests of the small producers in the outlying areas will be safeguarded, because such producers are very far from markets of great density?

The interests of these producers are very much in my mind, and their position will be borne in mind.

When will the Board cease to stamp eggs with the lion, because, as the Minister will agree, the lion is no longer helpful either to the producer or to the packing stations?

This is only one of the recommendations in what is a very complex issue I gave it very careful consideration shortly after the Report came to my hands. It should not be considered in isolation from the many other complex features of the Report.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take regarding the Worth Report on the Bacon Curing Industry.

The stabilisation arrangements for the bacon curing industry and the Bacon Market Sharing Understanding—which is shortly to be reviewed with participating countries - are both at present under consideration in the light of all the relevant factors, including in particular the recommendations in the Report of the Worth Committee.

Is the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that this Report drew attention to the need to improve efficiency in certain sections of the bacon curing industry? When will positive steps be taken to ensure that the processing side of the industry as well as the producing side does its best to increase the industry's competitive position?

I agree that this Report made recommendations, not only to the Government, but to the industry. It is obvious that we would want some little time with the industry to discover the most satisfactory solution.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the effects of present policy in relation to imports of food on home agriculture: and if he will make a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the contribution agriculture is making to the United Kingdom's balance of payments problems; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement about import savings by the agricultural industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he now has for implementing the report of the National Economic Development Council on Agriculture; and if he will make a statement.

The vital contribution that British agriculture is making to our balance of payments and the extent of that contribution are matters which any Minister of Agriculture must constantly consider.

Is the Minister aware that reports of a statement he made recently in Denmark caused widespread alarm amongst home producers? Can he give the House a categoric assurance that home agriculture will be given a positive opportunity to replace imports and in that way help the balance of payments?

The hon. Gentleman should very carefully read what I said in Denmark and not draw the same inference as one newspaper drew. We are on an expansionist course. The hon. Gentleman is aware of the selective expansion programme. We are considering the Report of the Economic Development Committee very carefully and I hope to make a statement fairly shortly.

Is it not a national scandal that agriculture is not allowed to play a much greater part in solving our balance of payments problem? Will the Minister bear in mind that it is not in the best interests of agriculture to allow our best calves to be exported just for the sake of what we get from their export? What is needed is control of imports and a green light for agriculture to go ahead.

The point the hon. Gentleman raises about calves does not arise on these Questions. He must table a Question about that. We are embarked on an expansionist programme such as was not devised or thought of by the Conservatives when they were in power. This is having its effect. It is making a contribution to import saving. Now we are considering what further measures are necessary. I will make a statement on this as soon as possible.

I understand the Government's desire to save imports, but can the Minister give an assurance that this policy of saving imports will not apply to the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement?

This is another question. Discussions on this issue are to start shortly and I cannot anticipate what they will be. I am very appreciative of the value of the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement.

When dealing with the question of imports, is it not important to strike a proper balance so that there will not be rising prices in the shops because of a wrong balance between imports and home production?

This is a balance of which I am constantly aware: I live with it every day. Not only am I Minister of Agriculture; I am also Minister of Food. This is a balance I must maintain. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing it to the attention of the House.

The Minister has spoken of an expansion programme and in replying to Question No. 16 he has spoken about the E.D.C. Report. Does he still adhere to the projects in the National Plan until such time as he has given us his view on the E.D.C. Report? If so, does he not recall that the plan says clearly that we are to expand capital production to the maximum possible for beef? How does that square with his facilitating the export of calves, to which my hon. Friend the Member for Torrington (Mr. Peter Mills) referred and which is very relevant to this question?

The question of beef will be considered with other commodities in our general consideration of the E.D.C. Report and in our general study of the problem. When I make a statement I shall be referring to beef, which I regard as very important. The right hon. Gentleman must table a Question to deal with his point on calves.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the question of the export of calves is of paramount importance to the future wellbeing of the industry? Is he further aware that buyers come from Belgium and other continental countries to buy our best stock calves for veal purposes? The price these calves fetch in this country of §7 per cwt. rises to about §60 to §100 per cwt. in Belgium when the calves are resold. Will my right hon. Friend take action to preserve our stock calves in Britain?

The question of calves has aroused a great deal of public interest, as has been expressed in supplementary questions this afternoon. However, this should be the subject of another Question. It may assist the House if I say that it is a matter to which I am giving very urgent attention.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the large volume of imports of primary products, what new steps he has taken through international agreement to help strengthen the balance of payments.

International agreements make a contribution to market stability. The Government have consistently sought to strengthen this country's balance of payments by encouraging the selective expansion of United Kingdom agricultural production.

This is not good enough. The Minister must realise that these voluntary arrangements will never work. He is dealing with ruthless countries which are prepared to subsidise to the extent of £300 to £400 a ton. New arrangements are needed to stop the flow of these products into Britain.

We already have arrangements designed to promote greater market stability which regulate the imports of various important commodities—for example, cereals, bacon, butter and other commodities. Since this Government took office the United Kingdom has participated in the negotiation of new international agreements—for example, the new international coffee agreement—and we are active in negotiations concerning an agreement on sugar and cocoa. There is a wide range of negotiations going on now. I am conscious of the importance of what the hon. Gentleman has said, but he must not exaggerate.

Is not the Minister aware that it is not the home- produced coffee market which is threatened with collapse but the home-produced milk market which is threatened with collapse? When will he stop these informal discussions and start taking effective action in time before this market collapses?

The hon. Gentleman is not doing agriculture a service by this exaggeration. He should realise that the market is not near collapse. Butter is sustained by the quota system. We are asking for voluntary restraint and negotiating on cheese. The hon. Gentleman must not say these things.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he intends to take to relieve farmers from the results of the excessively wet harvest.

Our sympathy and admiration is due to everyone concerned for the tremendous efforts that have been made to get in the bad harvest. Weather is, however, one of the risks which the farming industry normally has to carry.

Is the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that some farmers are facing ruin after this harvest? Will he ensure that all problems which arise from it over subsidy payments receive prompt and sympathetic attention? Will he in particular consider paying an advance acreage payment on barley at once?

I appreciate what the hon. Gentleman says. I will look into the point he has made.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the fishing industry about the limitation of foreign imports.

The matter has been referred to on several occasions in talks between the industry and my Department. We are fully aware of the industry's views, and it is, I think, equally aware that any limitation has to be considered in the light of our international obligations.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that what is wanted is not a redefinition of the Stockholm Agreement but an end to the dumping of fish on the British market at a price below the cost of production?

Yes, we have that in mind. I shall deal with it further when I answer a later Question regarding the position within E.F.T.A.

Is not the Minister aware that the situation is going from bad to worse and that it is no longer good enough to say that talks are proceeding? What is now required is action.

Yes, but any action will be limited by the 1959 Agreement entered into by right hon. and hon. Members opposite. We cannot break the international agreement. However, when I reply to the later Question, I shall deal with what we propose to do.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on Government support for the fishing industry.

As my right hon. Friend informed the House on 8th July last, legislation to implement the extended subsidy proposals which he then announced is to be introduced next Session.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this may be money wasted unless he does something about foreign imports? Second, has the system of efficiency payments now been agreed with the industry?

The negotiations are going on. It is really a matter for the industry. I remind the House that the substantial increase in support has had a warm welcome from the industry itself.

Can my hon. Friend explain why there is such an outcry for Government intervention in this type of protection, when we understood that the party opposite was all against Government intervention?

I think that there are a lot of people who do not want intervention but who want Government money.

In relation to the legislation to which the hon. Gentleman referred, will the hon. Gentleman acknowledge that there is need to bring in the legislation to which he referred as early as possible in the new Session? We shall look forward to participating in bringing it to the Statute Book very soon because of the need to clarify the industry's position as a whole.

I hope that it will be early in the new Session, so that we may begin to make payments early in the new year.

Is my hon. Friend aware that fishermen and merchants also, to my knowledge, think that Her Majesty's Government have given the industry a very good deal here, and they feel that it is now up to owners to put their own house in order with the State money which they are being given?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for making that point. I am grateful also to the industry for the response which it has made. I hope that, as a result of the reorganisation which is proposed, we shall have a better industry not only for those who are catching but for those also who have to buy and, of course, for the men engaged in the industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the outcome of the talks with the European Free Trade Association on the landing of foreign-caught fish.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further progress he has made in his discussions with fellow members of the European Free Trade Association regarding their heavy landings of fish in the Humber ports during the past months; and if he will make a statement.

Following discussions with Denmark, Norway and Sweden which brought an unsatisfactory response, we are now considering urgently in the E.F.T.A. Council the question of the high level of their exports to us of frozen fillets.

The Government's inability to reach some sort of agreement with the other countries will give great disappointment to people concerned in the industry here. Will my hon. Friend note our hope that, when he goes to the E.F.T.A. Council, he will be able to get something more positive, and, further, if he fails there, that he will consider taking some sort of unilateral action? Otherwise, all the Government money and Government intervention which is now being taken together will be lost.

I am sorry that we did not reach agreement. I hope that we shall be able to do so in the E.F.T.A. Council. It would be premature for me to anticipate non-agreement, but I am bound to tell the House that, while hoping for an agreement, we recognise that there is a clear limit to how far we are prepared to go to achieve it.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this contentious matter was discussed in the meeting of E.F.T.A. Parliamentarians at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, and we were informed there by Sir John Coulson, the Secretary-General of E.F.T.A., that the Working Party on Fishing within E.F.T.A. had come down solidly against any further liberalisation of imports? Is that not so?

I am not aware of what was reported to hon. Members at that meeting. All I can report is what we have done. We have taken the matter to the E.F.T.A. When I say that we do not want to anticipate non-agreement, I have in mind also that residual action is open to us. We shall certainly consider it if we cannot reach agreement.

In the discussions with the other E.F.T.A. countries, was the level of support given particularly to Norway discussed?

That did not arise. What did arise was the permitted amount which the Norwegians could export to this country as laid down under the 1959 Agreement. Our complaint is that they have exceeded it. We want them to conform to the agreement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now review the practice of using cyclamates in all foods and drinks except ice-cream in the light of the first half-year's experience of the working of the Regulations and of the representations he has received from experts thereon.

My right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health are keeping this practice under continuous review, with particular regard to any evidence of possible health hazards and to the extent and levels of use of cyclamates. In the light of experience so far, we are satisfied that there is no justification for amending the Regulations.

Would it not be in the consumer's interest to benefit also from the three years' experience of cyclamates in the United States, where, as a result of that experience, the Food and Drugs Administration is considering introducing the labelling of products containing cyclamates in order to specify recommended use levels and to give cautionary information? Should that not be done while we are waiting for our experts to report further?

Obviously, we take note of what happens in other countries. The use of cyclamates in America is much wider than it is here. The alleged hazard to consumers has been considered twice, by the Food Additives and Contaminants Committee and the Pharmacological Sub-Committee, in both 1965 and 1967. They found no risk to health at the likely levels of consumption. I remind the House that the joint F.A.O.-W.H.O. Expert Committee came to a similar conclusion.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a substantial body of medical and scientific opinion believes that sugar is far more injurious to health than are cyclamates?

I have heard that said, but I do not want to start off another argument.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will review the estimate of §30 million for increased efficiency normally taken into account in Annual Price Reviews.

The £30 million was agreed with the Farmers' Unions in 1966. Such an assessment can be made only over a period of years. I would expect such a reassessment to be made in 1969.

Would it be possible to take into account that certain sectors of the industry have better possibilities for increasing efficiency than others? For example, hill sheep farming cannot very easily improve efficiency. Could that be taken into account when this sum is allocated between the various interests?

These matters are taken into account. I shall pay special attention to that problem, which is one which I know personally very well. However, we should not overlook the assistance which is already given to hill farmers, which has been very substantial over the past few years.

Will the Minister bear in mind that in the East, the South-East and the Midlands, the increased efficiency undoubtedly achieved in crop production was completely nullified by excessive rainfall? Will he bear that in mind at the next Price Review?

Clearly, I shall not have to draw that to the attention of those concerned

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the present rate of capital investment in agriculture; and if he will make a statement.

The growth of both output and productivity implies a satisfactory rate of investment.

Is not much of this investment being forced upon farmers not so much in order to expand but to stay where they are because of the speed of technical change, and may it not follow, therefore, that the actual rate of obsolescence exceeds the permitted rate of depreciation, so that capital troubles are building up for the future? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that?

I have no evidence of that. The evidence which I have is that good progress is being made. For example, the House may be interested in the figures of gross fixed capital formation in agriculture: taking buildings and works, vehicles, plant and machinery together, in 1962 it was £152 million, and in 1967 it was £183 million. The facts seem to indicate that investment is progressing at a reasonably satisfactory rate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the increasing practice among poultry breeders of cutting off the wings of day-old chickens before despatch for further rearing; and whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to ban such operations.

Such a practice would not be in accordance with the draft Code of Welfare Recommendations for Domestic Fowls, which we have recently circulated for comment. I can, however, find no evidence that this practice exists in this country.

Has not my hon. Friend seen the recent report of the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, which gave details of this practice? Is he aware that the Federation, like the vast majority of people in this country, who oppose these practices, are not cranks, vegetarians or sentimentalists, but people who want to eat well and live decently? Will he look closely at this matter again and bring forward legislation to deal with it?

The Ministry of Agriculture is not an asylum for the blind. We have asked Major Scott of the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare to produce specific evidence, and he cannot do it. We have also gone to considerable lengths to find out from our own poultry experts and vets if there is any evidence, and we cannot find it. The Press took up the story, as did my hon. Friend without doing his homework.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions he has reached following his study of the results of the trials of stupefying baits for the control of wood pigeons.

The trials conducted by Ministry scientists and, more recently, by farmers operating under Ministry supervision indicate that stupefying baits may have some value in the local control of wood pigeons. There are, however, technical and administrative problems to be solved before the wider use of this method could be contemplated. These are now being studied.

Is the Minister aware that for many years pigeons have been a major menace to arable crops, and therefore this is a matter of urgency? Will he press on with it as much as he can? Is there any hope that this may also be used for sparrows in farms and finches in orchards?

As regards the last part of the question, the hon. Gentleman must know the feeling there is on anything of that nature of poisons or narcotics for dealing with pests. That is why we must be so careful. But we are pressing on with this. This consideration also applies to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation following his announcement about the future organisation of the deep sea fishing fleet: and if he will make a statement.

The Industrial Reorganisation Corporation is keeping us closely in touch with the discussions to which my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs referred in his reply of 14th October to my hon. Friend.—[Vol. 770, c. 45.]

Bearing in mind the successful mergers in computers, cars and other industries, will my hon. Friend confirm that the Government mean business with this more individualistic industry, particularly since larger financing means more modern vessels, with consequent better safety conditions for the fishermen on them?

My hon. Friend and the House would not expect me to comment on the matter until we have had a report of what has taken place.

Will my hon. Friend give the House an assurance that the I.R.C., despite looking at the organisation of the deep sea fleet, is carefully examining the whole question of the marketing of the commodity once it has been caught?

I do not know all the details of what is taking place. These aspects are bound to be considered. The I.R.C. is discussing the fishing industry. I would not care to go on specifying every section of it, because as soon as one does that someone suggests something that has been left out. The I.R.C. and the industry are considering the fishing industry.

When does the Minister expect to be able to make a statement on this important matter?

As soon as conclusions are reached. It would be for the industry, with the I.R.C, to reach conclusions and then report them to us.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the damage to agriculture caused by the recent floods and the steps his Depart-men are taking to alleviate it.

The recent floods covered many thousands of acres of agricultural land in the East and South-East of England. Fortunately most of the cereal crop had already been harvested so that damage was much less than it would have been had the floods come earlier. The most severe damage was to horticultural crops in the Thames Valley and to potatoes, sugar beat and beans in certain limited areas, particularly in East Anglia. There was more widespread damage to farm drainage systems, farm roads, gates and fences. We do know and are sorry that individual fanners have suffered severely.

Will the Minister carry his survey a little further, so that he can identify in detail those farms which have suffered a real disaster? That will show him that certain growers have had all their income for the next six months washed away with the crops. Many such growers will be liable to pay heavy drainage charges for which they have clearly received no benefit. Could the hon. Gentleman consider helping in that respect?

We are looking into the individual cases, and we shall be obliged if hon. Members will bring to our attention any that we may miss. I shall look into the hon. Gentleman's point about drainage charges.

Could my hon. Friend estimate what effect this awful summer is likely to have on food prices to the consumer this winter? If they are likely to rise considerably as a result, will he take measures to protect the lower-paid workers from the effects of the increases?

It is very difficult to appreciate yet what effect the weather might have on the market prices of farm produce. The farmers have their guarantee from the Price Review. I will keep in mind the point my hon. Friend raised.

To some of us at least, the Minister's interpretation of the total extent of the damage is probably not as great, particularly in regard to cereals, as was actually the case. In any case, for many farmers, dealing with cereal and arable crops generally, a continuing problem will arise because no winter cultivations will be able to take place. Will the Minister bear in mind the need for farmers to have the greatest possible credit facilities to enable them to overcome the difficulties that will continue over at least the next 12 months?

The right hon. Gentleman does not need to tell me about the situation. I have seen it, and I have experienced it myself. As regards credit, I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the Answer yesterday of my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to a Question on this subject, which I think was very satisfactory.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in areas where flooding is repeated a great deal of discontent is caused by the fact that grants allowed to river boards do not enable them to carry out in the near future renovations and alterations to river courses which would remove the problem completely? I refer particularly to the Conway Valley.

This is a slightly different question. It would cost thousands of millions of pounds to give adequate protection to every area that was subject to flooding in the past month or two, particularly since in some areas there were over six inches of rainfall in 24 hours. My hon. Friend would not contemplate any Government carrying out something to protect every area.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the result of his inquiry into the cause of the recent flooding, particularly in the Kent and Sussex areas; and what proposals he is making to try to avoid similar occurrences in the future.

The recent flooding was due to exceptionally heavy rainfall which, as I said earlier, in places exceeded six inches in one day. River authorities are examining their flood defences in the light of this experience, but in many places it would not be economically feasible to prevent flooding in the face of rainfall of such intensity.

Would not the Minister agree that, while everyone is full of admiration of the part played by the police, the local authorities, and the voluntary organisations, nevertheless these recent floodings do reveal the need for a clearly defined high command? Furthermore, would he say whether householders, who suffered grievously in my own constituency from these floods, will receive compensation from the Government where they are not insured?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, there are flood relief funds to which the Government have been subscribing, and these will be used chiefly for householders and people who have been hard hit by the floods. I do know that there has been a little criticism of the warning system and we are looking into the whole question again, but we have kept it continuously under review.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind, when he is considering flood protection, the urgent needs of Londoners? Is he aware that 60 square miles of London along the banks of the Thames are daily at risk from flooding? Is he also aware that flooding from the Thames could flood London's Underground, causing terrible disaster? Will he bear in mind that the people of London expect some positive action from this Government?

This has been a problem for a long time, as my hon. Friend well knows, but we have this very closely under review, and at the present time discussions are going on as to the best course of action, but I am afraid that the experts themselves are not just too sure. We have asked for a further report on what is the best plan, a barrage or a barrier, and in due course a decision will be taken.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what improvements he proposes, arising out of the recent experience in Hertfordshire and elsewhere, to ensure the prompt notification of flood danger so as to facilitate quick and effective preventive and remedial action by local authorities and householders in areas affected.

It is not always possible to provide warning of flood danger. But in the light of the recent floods we propose to examine with the other interests concerned—river authorities, the police and the Meteorological Office—how the existing flood warning arrangements could be further improved. A conference of experts is being convened for this purpose.

Would the hon. Gentleman accept that, in the light of recent experience, there is a great deal of room for improvement in this context, and does he appreciate that, with the organisation of some central force to take the place of the contribution formerly made by Civil Defence, an efficient system of early notification is perhaps the greatest immediate contribution which the central Government can make in this respect?

Yes, as I said earlier, there has been criticism of the warning system, but it is not all that easy. I would just refer the right hon. and learned Gentleman back, if he is interested, as I am, in the weather every day, to last Tuesday morning when my hon. Friend at the Ministry of Defence phoned me and told me that the forecast was nearly 24 hours of continuous rain and I immediately discussed with officials whether we should put out a flood warning on the B.B.C. at one o'clock. We decided against it. The Press reported the next day that my hon. Friend at the Ministry of Housing and Local Government sent out preliminary telegrams and considerably criticised him for this, for by three o'clock the sun was shining. That is just the problem we all have to face.

Will my hon. Friend say whether it is the river authorities as such who are responsible for issuing warnings to the general public, and, if they are not, whose responsibility it is? If it is, will he arrange with the river authorities to liaise with the Meteorological Office so that when it gives flash warnings over the broadcast the river authorities can attach to that message warning that a flood is imminent in a particular area?

This takes place. The river authority decides on warnings. At the Ministry of Agriculture we get notification. It is the duty of the police to give warnings locally, but, as I illustrated to the right hon. and learned Gentleman who raised this earlier, the difficulty is about how widespread these warnings should be. For one thing, we might nullify the effect of the warning system if our warnings were too widespread. If after warnings nothing happened, people might start to take no notice of them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will make a statement regarding the Government's future policy on the importation of early potatoes.

Our policy continues to be that new potatoes may be imported at any time of the year except in September and October, subject to compliance with the plant health regulations and to payment of duty. The home grower is protected from imports from non-Commonwealth sources by the tariff which is at a level of £9 6s. 8d. a ton from 16th May to 30th June when our own first early crop is on the market.

Is my hon. Friend aware, nevertheless, that after last summer's fiasco the situation as regards early potato growers in Wales appears to be that people at home have been restricted by artificial restrictions on the acreage of crops while at the same time the gentlemen in, say, Cyprus will be free to expand yet further at our expense?

On the contrary, according to the Potato Marketing Board, the acreage of early varieties was 15,000 acres greater than in 1967. Anyone who knows anything about the industry will remember that at that time there was an overlapping in crops from Pembrokeshire, Cornwall and Kent, which were late, with those of the Eastern Counties, and that had a great deal of effect on the market at that time.

Is the Minister aware of the intense feeling on the subject in this country? What could be crasser than buying potatoes from Nasser? Will it be long before we are buying earlies from the Viet Cong?

It is always difficult to draw the line because one has to think of the consumer in this respect, and one has also to remember, and the hon. Member ought to remember, the repercussions it might have on our exports of seed potatoes. One cannot very well claim a right to export seed and then tell people they cannot sell the crops when they have grown them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he is giving to the possibility of introducing a special encouragement to farmers to increase the use of the grass break in arable rotations.

The desirability of encouraging a grass break in arable rotations depends largely on the circumstances of the individual farm and the use to which the grass can be put, but the substantial increases made at the last Annual Review to the returns of cattle and sheep producers should have made the introduction of a grass break more attractive to arable farmers. Therefore my right hon. Friend has at present no plans for grant aiding the laying down of arable land to grass.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that there is still a great deal of room for improvement in the amount of production of beef and sheep? Therefore, if he did give special encouragement to those enterprises, not only would he stand a better chance of reducing imports, but he would also stand a better chance of reducing cereal disease.

I appreciate this. As I said, we give this encouragement, but there is no good in growing grass if we do not use it. Therefore, we give encouragement to stock to eat the grass. It is for the arable farmers to decide whether to lay down grass to feed the stock.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to respond to the call from the Potato Marketing Board and the National Farmers' Union to assist in providing additional labour to help growers in lifting the potato crop; and whether he will hire temporary accommodation at the agricultural holiday camp at Fridaybridge, near Wis-bech, for such additional labour forces as may be available from the Armed Forces or volunteers.

Through local officials and by liaison with the Potato Marketing Board and the National Farmers' Union we are keeping in closest touch with the potato harvesting situation as it develops. Officials are also in touch with the Department of Employment and Productivity and the Ministry of Defence. The latter's help will be sought if necessary. Standing arrangements provide for military assistance to be called in only if there is a national or regional emergency and when all available sources of civilian labour have been exhausted. That situation has certainly not yet been reached.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that something in the nature of an emergency has arisen, particularly in the Fenland areas, not least because, owing to recent weather conditions, it is virtually now impossible in many cases to get mechanical potato lifting machinery on to the land at all, and therefore a great deal of the crop will have to be lifted by hand? In the light of this, will he reconsider the urgency of calling in the Armed Forces to help?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are in consultation with the parties I have mentioned and he will be delighted to know that the weather has improved considerably this week so that a good deal more machinery is on the land. I give him the assurance that we will keep very close watch on this, and, if necessary, we shall take the action which is required.

If my hon. Friend does consider it necessary in due course to introduce additional labour such as members of the Armed Forces, and so on, to help with the potato harvest, will he make quite sure he consults the workers' unions before such additional labour is taken on?

My hon. Friend does have the assurance that we consult everyone concerned. We must not reach conclusions now, and I did not say we have got to use the Armed Forces. What I did say was that if there is an emergency then we would obviously want to consult everybody concerned about it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken to assist the Borough of Morpeth in dealing with its need for flood protection; and whether he will make a statement.

The Northumbrian River Authority and the Morpeth Borough Council each propose to carry out further flood protection works to augment those completed in 1965. The Council's proposals are technically sound and we shall be prepared to pay grant on the eligible works. Details of the River Authority's proposals were submitted on 25th September and are being examined urgently.

While welcoming the statement, and I am sure this will be welcomed by the Borough of Morpeth, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he is aware that some of these citizens have suffered flood damage four times in the last 11 months, and would he be good enough to give consideration to the possibility of giving some special assistance in this respect?

We have every sympathy. I know only too well the tragedy of flooded houses, especially at the beginning of winter when the difficulties of drying out are very extreme indeed. We will look sympathetically at my hon. Friend's second point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many police officers have been recruited by Scottish forces since he imposed restricions on recruitment in July; and how many have been lost to the force in the same period.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to him yesterday.

As the experience of the last three months, when net recruitment in the whole of Scotland was only 22, has shown that the selective restrictions have not helped the difficult areas at all, and as Scotland is short of about 1,000 men will the Secretary of State not abandon these absurd restrictions forthwith?

I think that the hon. Gentleman is quite wrong. If one compares Glasgow over the past three months with a similar period last year, one finds that Glasgow has recruited more than last year, and I am glad to say that they lost less; in fact a net increase of 27.

Would my right hon. Friend say how the figures for crime in this period in Scotland have progressed or regressed, and could he give the figures for Glasgow?

That is an entirely different question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will direct the Scottish Economic Planning Council to initiate a study of the effect of fuel prices on the Scottish economy.

No, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that Scottish housewives are paying more than 25 per cent, above the average price of gas south of the Border, and that the Scottish Gas Board today anticipated further increases up to the 1970s? In view of this, is he seriously saying that, as our sole voice in the Cabinet, he is not even prepared to look into this problem?

I do not think that the question relates in any way to the Cabinet. The hon. Gentleman asked me whether or not in the interests of the Scottish economy we should ask the Scottish Economic Planning Council to look into this matter. If the Scottish Economic Planning Council felt that this was of such singular importance and that there was something they did not know about, they would initiate a study. This is only one factor in relation to prices in the Scottish economy, and there is no indication that this specifically is retarding growth in any way.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that, while we appreciate his natural suspicion about the motivation of the Question asked by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor), it is said in the recent statement by the Scottish Gas Board that it will be three to four years before the benefits of North Sea gas are available in Scotland. The disparity, therefore, will be increased and the examination might be worth while.

It may well be, in relation to the future.

As the Secretary of State has made a curious arrangement under which he is also the Chairman of the Scottish Economic Planning Council, why does he not arrange for a study to be carried out from his other resources in the Scottish Office?

Because it is quite unnecessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the value of school building completed in the years 1960 to 1968, respectively, in the county of Midlothian.

As the reply contains a number of figures, I shall, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I thank my right hon. Friend for his Answer, but would he also circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the comparison of the figures which were achieved during the term of office of the party opposite?

For the five years from 1960 to 1964, inclusive, the value of school building completed in Midlothian was £2·167 million, and in the three years from 1965 to 1967, inclusive, the value was £2·517 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of houses completed in the years 1960 to 1968, respectively, in the county of Midlothian; and what was the annual capital sum involved.

With permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the number of houses completed in each calendar year. The information available about capital expenditure does not enable me to answer the second part of the question.

Would my right hon. Friend agree, since there is at the present time so much discussion about housing, that the provision of houses is a social investment towards the well-being of people? Will he also, since he is talking about figures, circulate the comparative figures during the term of office of the party opposite?

It is because of the importance we place upon the provision of new housing in Scotland that we welcome the improvement that there has been, and I think the whole House will welcome it. From 1960 to 1964, inclusive, the number of houses completed in the five years in the county of Midlothian was 3,998. In the last three and a half years, from 1965 to 30th June this year, the number is 5,106.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what occasions he attended negotiations outside the United Kingdom involving the entry of the United Kingdom into the Common Market, giving the date and place of each occasion.

There have been no forma! negotiations so the question does not arise.

Does the Secretary of State agree that the Scottish problems involved in entering into the Common Market are entirely different from the English problems and that the two must not be lumped together? As his office is the nearest in function that we have at present to a Prime Minister in Scotland., will he not undertake to the House that he will join in such negotiations as take place?

The hon. Lady should appreciate that some of our problems are exactly the same, but I would be the first to admit that we have special problems. She will remember that the Prime Minister himself stated that, when formal negotiations take place, the Foreign Secretary will be accompanied by whichever Ministers, including Scottish Ministers, are necessary for the particular subject under discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will undertake in all future negotiations involving the Common Market or the European Free Trade Association to ensure the protection of the distinct economic problems of Scotland.

I am at all times concerned to protect the economic interests of Scotland.

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell me what persons will participate directly in any such negotiations, so that we can feel confident that our interests will be represented? Will he say which persons have, up to now, carried out the negotiations in E.F.T.A., which persons are carrying on such negotiations at E.E.C. at the moment, and which persons will do so in the future?

The hon. Lady asked a Question about the Common Market and future negotiations of the European Free Trade Association. I have given her the answer to that. It was implicit in the Answer that was given, and which I referred to in reply to the last Question, that relevant Ministers with direct concern for specific problems will, where necessary, participate in such negotiations.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some hon. Members regard the 71 Scots Members of Parliament in Westminster as an insurance policy for the Scottish people if and when we enter the Common Market? Would he agree that this will ensure, if and when we enter the Common Market, the prevention of the concentration of industry in the Midlands and the South-East?

I consider that the presence of the 71 Scottish M.P.s in the House, whether or not it is related to the Common Market, is the best insurance we can have that the interests of Scotland, within the United Kingdom, are protected.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the very successful E.F.T.A. conference that was held in Edinburgh over four years ago, and will he remind his colleagues of this?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek powers to ensure that the tradition that Her Majesty's judges should not take an active part in party political activities is maintained.

No, Sir. It is a well established convention of the constitution that judges should not be involved in the formulation of policy for political parties and should avoid all participation in the political activities of such parties. I can find no reason for seeking to have this enshrined in a statute.

I appreciate my right hon. Friend's reply, but would he say to the Scottish Bench that, in their own interests, they might observe this tradition, and that they ought to maintain the habit of other senior servants of the Crown and take no part in party political activities, since this does not seem to be clear to a number of them?

I do not think this requires to be made clear to the Scottish Bench; I am perfectly sure that they understand it fully.

asked the Secretary of Slate for Scotland when he expects the work on Scottish Labour history, undertaken under the auspices and finance of his Department by Mr. McDougall of Strathclyde University in January, 1967, will be available to Members of Parliament.

This work is not financed by any of my Departments and I have no information about publication.

Does the Secretary of State realise that the history is anxiously awaited by a large number of people in Scotland as a guide and an inspiration to what they may do in the event of the likely constitutional alterations in Scotland at the time of the next General Election?

I would be inclined to agree with my hon. and learned Friend, but I must assure him that it has no connection with the Scottish Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the findings of his detailed study of the adverse factors confronting the Scottish economy, including the high rate of unemployment and the loss of skilled labour because of emigration; and what further proposals Her Majesty's Government have for the improvement of economic conditions in Scotland as foreshadowed in the White Paper on the Scottish Economy 1965 to 1970.

Scotland's main economic problems were correctly identified in the White Paper and the policies we have initiated to overcome them are now taking effect.

Does the Secretary of State realise that there are large areas in Scotland, and a large number of people, who are awaiting the development which this technological age can give? Will he give a fillip to their desires for the purpose of developing trade, industry, commerce and employment in Scotland?

We have already done so.

Can we have some figures on emigration, and can the right hon. Gentleman explain why it went to an all-time high after he became Secretary of State?

Because, unfortunately, of the Tory Secretary of State before me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made to offset the Government's import of 11,250 hearing aids from Denmark by an export order of a comparable cost.

None are needed. British firms are as free to compete for business in Denmark as Danish firms are here.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this has occasioned profound disappointment to British manufacturers who would like to have secured this order, which would have given a solid basis for our overseas exports? Will she give a lead to other Departments to buy British goods?

We always encourage British suppliers to tender when they can provide the right sort of goods. They will get preference if they can compete on equal terms.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a further statement on the advance factory in Sunderland which is at present unoccupied.

The application referred to in my reply of 10th July has unfortunately been withdrawn. Every effort is being made to find a suitable occupant.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why quantities of arms have been sent to Federal Nigeria from the British armed forces in Germany during the last three months.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statements made by the Foreign Secretary and the Commonwealth Secretary in the debates on 12th June and 22nd July respectively.—[Vol. 766, c. 243; Vol. 769, c. 50.]

But is it not a fact that British troop carriers and other weapons have been sent to Nigeria from Germany? If so, and I am sure that it is, why was there an attempt to conceal the fact?

As has been stated frequently, the Government are prepared to authorise the export of carefully controlled quantities of arms and ammunition of broadly the same types as we have supplied in the past. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary explained the basic policy underlying that.