§ 35. Mr. Dingle Footasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now state what action he proposes to take to give effect to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Imposition of Penalties by Marketing Boards and other similar bodies?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)I am glad of this opportunity to express appreciation of the speed and thoroughness with which the committee completed their investigation. So far as agricultural marketing boards are concerned the recommendations of the Departmental Committee fall into three main groups, namely, those that would require amendment of the law, those that would require amendment of schemes, and those requiring only administrative action by a board. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are giving careful consideration to the recommendations in the first group, in consultation with the agricultural marketing boards, but it would not be possible, in any circumstances, to contemplate legislation this Session. The recommendations in the second and third groups fall for consideration by the boards themselves, and I am not in a position at present to indicate their views.
§ Mr. FootHow soon will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman be in a position to make a fuller statement under the second and third heads, and do the Government intend to legislate under the first head when time permits?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI cannot say when that time will be. We are now trying to get the board's views on the subject, and I hope there will be no delay in making a statement.