HC Deb 26 March 1923 vol 162 cc25-6
42. Mr. FRANK GRAY

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, before receiving, with the Prime Minister, on Friday last, a deputation from the National Farmers' Union, the National Union of Agricultural Workers, and the agricultural section of the Workers' Union, he ascertained the views of or conferred with the Agricultural Commission now sitting?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Robert Sanders)

The answer is in the negative. As I stated, in reply to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Riley) on the 6th instant, the Tribunal of Inquiry are making every effort to present an early report, but are not yet in a posi- tion to name a date. It would, I think, be obviously undesirable to endeavour to ascertain the views of the tribunal before the members have thoroughly considered the questions which were referred to them.

Mr. GRAY

Having regard to the emphatic statement made by the Prime Minister on the occasion referred to can an inquiry now serve any useful purpose whatsoever?

Sir R. SANDERS

Oh, I hope so.