13 JULY 1934, Page 2

A Subsidy for Beef We discuss on another page Mr.

Walter Elliot's agricultural policy. Before going to press we have before us Mr. Elliot's later statement in which he confirms the expectation that his plan will be to put a levy on imports of beef and devote the proceeds to subsidizing British. But as this will involve negotia- tions with the Dominions and Argentina, he announces an interim short-term policy. to help the farmers over their crisis by making temporary advances to the Cattle Fund up to three million pounds. That is the sum which the taxpayer will have to advance to give time to the Government to negotiate itself out of commitments.