§ 18. Captain HEILGERSasked the Minister of Agriculture if he can make any statement in regard to the Meat Reorganisation Commission?
§ Major ELLIOTI understand that the Reorganisation Commission for Fat Stock for England and Wales continues to make good progress in its work and that it expects to be able to report to me in the late autumn.
§ Captain HEILGERSIn view of the very serious condition of the meat producers to-day, cannot the right hon. and gallant Gentleman urge the Commission to expedite their report?
§ Major ELLIOTI think that the emergency position of the meat producers will need to be dealt with by emergency measures. What the fat stock people want is a long-distance policy.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSAre the Fat Stock Commission considering the purchasing power of the people of the country? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a letter in the "Times" this morning suggests that the consumption of meat is now down by about 20 per cent., and that therefore the purchasing power of the people has apparently decreased?
§ Major ELLIOTThe Fat Stock Commission are of course, taking all those matters into account. That is one reason why I think it undesirable to attempt to jolt them unduly in all their consideration.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot debate the matter now.