HC Deb 16 July 1947 vol 440 cc397-8
57. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the committee dealing with the question of revising various marketing schemes has yet reported; and whether it is intended to make its report and the evidence available before any legislation is introduced.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. Collick)

No, Sir. The Committee, which, under the chairmanship of Lord Lucas, is inquiring into the Agricultural Marketing Acts, has not yet reported. It is intended to publish the Committee's report. My hon. Friend may be assured that there will be adequate time to study the report before the introduction of any legislation which in the light of the Committee's recommendations the Government may decide is needed to facilitate the marketing of agricultural and horticultural produce.

Mr. Janner

Can my hon. Friend give any indication when the Report will be available?

Mr. Collick

I anticipate that the Report should be available some time in the autumn.

Mr. Walkden

As we never appear to have had a statement about the range of inquiries of this particular Committee, can we be told beforehand whether they will cover every angle of distribution, including retail, wholesale and marketing generally?

Mr. Collick

The terms of reference of this Committee were published, and I am astonished that the hon. Member appears not 'to have knowledge of them.