§ 50. Lord ROBERT CECILasked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to institute any public inquiry into the condition of agriculture, including the question of the discrepancy between the price obtainable by the farmer for his produce and the cost to the consumer of the food made from it: and, if so, in what form the inquiry will be, and what will be the terms of reference?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Robert Sanders)I have been asked to reply. The whole of this subject is now under consideration. With regard to the specific question of discrepancy of prices, I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Frome.
§ Lord R. CECILIn view of the very serious condition of the agricultural industry, will an opportunity occur during the present Session for a discussion in this House on the subject?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI think that is so.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the scope of this inquiry include references to railway rates and increased rates and taxes?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI cannot say the exact terms on which it is proposed to bold the inquiry.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill it include railway rates and the incidence of rates and taxes?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI think it would, but I should not like to say until I look at the terms of the Act again.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERIn selling up this Departmental Committee, will the right hon. Gentleman secure that consumers' organisations are represented?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI will take all considerations of that sort into account.