HC Deb 31 May 1937 vol 324 cc660-1
22. Mr. James Hall

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the committee presided over by Mr. N. L. C. MacCaskie, K.C., has issued a report; and, if so, when the report is likely to be available to milk-producing retailers?

23. Mr. Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the amendments put forward by the Milk Marketing Board for the modification of the Milk Marketing Scheme; and what action he proposes to take in regard to them?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The report of the Commissioner who held the public inquiry into the objections made to the draft amendments of the Milk Marketing Scheme is now under consideration, and I hope shortly to reach a decision in the matter. Following the usual practice, the report will not be published.

Mr. T. Williams

May I ask why the report will not be published?

Mr. Morrison

The function of the Commissioner is to sum up impartially all the evidence that is presented to him, and I think it has been generally recognised that if his report were to be published it might hamper the Commissioner in the execution of his duties.