§ 30. Sir A. KNOXasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will instruct the committees on the milk and pig industries to furnish their reports not later than the 1st of July next?
§ 31. Captain HEILGERSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will set up a time limit within which the milk and bacon reorganisation commissions shall make their reports?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have, of course, taken steps to see that the Commissions appreciate the urgency of their tasks, but I regret that I cannot adapt the suggestions of my hon. and gallant Friends.
§ Sir A. KNOXWill the right hon. Gentleman say how often they will meet, whether it will be once a week or once a month 2 If they do not meet more often than that, the discussions may go on for two or three years.
Viscountess ASTORDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that if he had a really energetic woman on each of these commissions it would assist the proceedings? Will he bear in mind that agriculture is one of the industries in the country in which the third largest number of women are engaged.
§ Sir J. GILMOURIn answer to the first supplementary question, these commissions have already had one preliminary meeting, and they are meeting informally this week. I propose to attend the opening meeting next week.
Viscountess ASTORThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the question. Has he got a woman on either of these commissions?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENDoes not the right, hon. Gentleman realise that he will have no difficulty in finding an energetic woman?