BRITISH AGRICULTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23203, 29 May 1937, Page 13

BRITISH AGRICULTURE

INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSALS (British Official Wireless) . RUGBY, May 27. > (Received May 28, at 5.5 p.m.) An important statement of th* Government proposals for increasing productivity in agriculture with a view, both to defence requirements and establishing the industry on a sounder economic: foiiridatiori in peace time, was made at question time in the House of Commons by the Minister for Agriculture (Mr W. S. Morrison). Estimated to cost a maximum of nearly £3,500,000 and a minimum of per annum, the proposals include a large'scale comprehensive campaign for the eradication of animal diseases; involving centralisation of public veterinary extension of Exchequer grants for land drainage, assistance to farmer's in raising the fertility of the soil, stimulation of wheat-growing, and giving.. additional insurance to wheat growers in the event of a new fall ifl': wheat prices, and schemes in respect to oats and barley, also in the nature of insurance to growers against low prices;

Mr Morrison prefaced a detailed description of the scheme with an explanation of the Government's decision regarding the agricultural policy in relation to problems ;of defence. He said that in the opinion of the Government, to put agriculture on a war-time footing, with all the regimentation of the farming community and the heavy cost it would involve, would not be practicable at present, nor is the situation such as to require the adoption of this course in time of peace. The Government was equally satisfied that considerations of national defence would not justify a policy in peace time of stimulating agricultural production to such a pitch that the country would be faced with a highly artificial situation which would sooner or later have to be liquidated if an emergency did not arise. The Government had decided the best course was to continue its efforts to improve the general prosperity and efficiency of home agriculture and in particular to promote an increase in the fertility and productivity of the soil. Its proposals were so designed that should "an emergency arise the country would be in a position immediately to-take advantage of the improved fertility. Mr Morrison intimated that the necessary legislation to give effect to the Government's proposals would be introduced at the earliest possible moment. .

In separate answers the Minister foreshadowed an early announcement of proposals for the future of the milk and pig industries.