13 JULY 1934, Page 3

Mr. Elliot's review of agricultural policy on Monday showed that

he has recovered his health and his confi- dence. He made unusually brilliant use of the presenta- tion of his estimates to explain the philosophy of his policy, and members were surprised to find how much there is in it of determination to preserve export trade wherever consistent with the revival of agriculture at home. As for the announcement of yet another agricul- tural subsidy for beef on Wednesday, it was not too popular with other than agricultural members, but it will probably gain adherents when represented as the alterna- tive to antagonizing the Dominions by the imposition of slashing quotas. One merit the scheme also possesses, namely, that it 'will not put up prices to the consumer. But what a favoured child of the Exchequer agriculture is