Vol. 251 No. 13
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what steps are being taken on the recommendation of the Committee on the Review of State Expenditure in relation to Agriculture that all subsidies on agricultural products should be paid directly to the individual producers instead of through processors or manufacturers; and if he will indicate the areas where this procedure is not followed at present.
32.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what steps are being taken to implement the recommendation of the Committee on the Review of State Expenditure in relation to Agriculture that the present schemes for improving farm efficiency (e.g. land improvement, farm building and water supply grants) should be integrated into a comprehensive farm development scheme.
33.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what steps he proposes to take in the light of the statement of the Committee on the Review of State Expenditure in relation to Agriculture that measures currently in operation to help the smaller farmer may not be sufficient to bring about the necessary transition to a more modern agricultural structure.
34.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what steps he has in mind in regard to the recommendation of the Committee on the Review of State Expenditure in relation to Agriculture that there should be more emphasis in State assistance to agriculture on the policy objectives of increasing efficiency and generating greater economic growth and less on the maintenance of income policy.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 31 to 34 inclusive together.
In view of the far-reaching importance of the committee's recommendations, I have, on several occasions, made it clear that I would like to have the views of the farmers and farmers' organisations on them before coming to final decisions. Since, so far, no organisation has given me the benefit of its views, I am raising the matter specifically with the farm organisations in the annual review talks beginning this week.
In the meantime, the views of the committee have been of considerable help in developing agricultural policy.
In view of the fact that the Government have had this report since January, 1969, could the Parliamentary Secretary give me an indication of at least one change which has been made in Government policy as a result of the recommendations made in this report?
I should like it to be understood that this was published in May, 1970, only.
It was available to the Government in January, 1969, and that is what matters.
This is without commitment and to stimulate discussion on those aspects that would be relevant under Common Market conditions. We do not want to do anything in a hasty manner. We would like to have an opportunity to have a full discussion with the farming organisations.
Why did the Government have to wait from January, 1969, when they received this report until May, 1970, when it was published? What was the purpose of the delay?
Can the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that when he has consulted with the various bodies he has mentioned, the Government will produce a White Paper on agricultural subsidisation?
They should do something and not just produce a White Paper.
We will have to await the outcome of the discussions.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that a White Paper will be forthcoming?
