§ 38. Sir C. CAYZERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the fact that it is not possible for the Milk Reorganisation Commission to formulate a milk scheme to operate as from 1st October next, he will introduce a Bill embodying a quota scheme for milk products, including so much of the provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Act as was contemplated in the original wheat quota scheme as previously suggested by the National Farmers' Union, to operate until such time as a scheme under the Agricultural Marketing Act has been submitted to and approved by the milk producers of England and Wales and put into operation?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)The answer is in the negative. Apart from the merits of the case, my hon. Friend will appreciate that before such legislation could be prepared and introduced it would be necessary to make inquiries, similar to those now being undertaken by the Milk Reorganisation Commission, and much detailed negotiation with the interests concerned would be involved. Even if these preliminaries could be completed within a short time, there would remain the impossibility of getting the legislation through Parliament before the end of the present Session.
§ Sir JOSEPH LAMBWill the right hon. Gentleman consider asking the Commission to make an interim report with some recommendations this year?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIf the circum stances commend themselves to the Commission, they are not debarred from doing that, but it is essential to go into the whole problem.
§ Mr. THORNEHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the number of Members of this House who are members of the Farmers' Union?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir.