U.K. FARMERS’ SUBSIDIES

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28435, 15 November 1957, Page 12

U.K. FARMERS’ SUBSIDIES

Removal May Be Considered

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 12. Is the British Government preparing to whittle down subsidies to farmers now running at the rate of £2som. a year? This question is reported to be disturbing farmers since the announcement that the Government intends to relinquish powers contained in part two of the Agricultural Act of 1947 thereby removing the threat that if farmers • fail to make good use of their land it may be taken from them. There is at present a tendency to argue that if part two of the act. goes, then part one may be affected, and part one guarantees to the farmers payment of subsidies. The theory is that the Government may take the line that lazy or inefficient farmers will no longer be subsidised. It may then gradually cut down subsidies to other farmers. It is reported that bitter opposition to the Government proposals will be raised by Labour members in the House of Commons. The Government’s answer may be that it is doing the right thing in replacing threats and compulsion by encouragement and help provided by the £som farm improvement scheme. This is designed to help farmers rebuild and plan their way to efficiency over the next 10 years.