48 and 49. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he has now had an opportunity of fully considering the plans and proposals put forward by the Council of Agriculture for England; and what conclusion the Government have come to regarding these matters?
(2), whether it is the policy of the Government to establish commissions to control the import and distribution of foodstuffs and the development of marketing ports at the earliest opportunity after the cessation of hostilities; and what steps the Government are taking to ensure that there shall be no restriction of home production in future years?
Mr. HudsonI have received the report on long-term agricultural policy adopted by the Council of Agriculture for England at their meeting on 26th May, and this report, along with those published in recent months by other bodies, will receive full consideration. As to the other points, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Deputy Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Harborough (Mr. Tree) on 11th May.
Mr. De la BèreAre we to understand that all relevant facts are being considered and that the usual Government policy of stagnation will be vigorously pursued?
§ Brig.-General Clifton BrownIs it not a fact that this Council is representative of all sections of the agricultural community, and will the right hon. Gentleman give some indication of whether the Government's policy is one of approval of the report?