ABSTRACT
The great expansion of agricultural production during the war was not unnaturally followed by a relaxation of effort in the immediate post-war period, but difficulties over the external balance of payments made it necessary in August, 1947 (the month in which the Agriculture Act became law) to give a new impetus to production in the United Kingdom. This was called the Agricultural Expansion Programme. Effect is given to the policy of guaranteed prices through the annual review of the economic conditions and prospects of the agricultural industry which the three Ministers concerned with agriculture are required by the 1947 Act to undertake. The other method which the Department employs to encourage agricultural production and to improve the health of the Scottish agricultural body is direct production grants, the grants being applied where they are most needed.
