HC Deb 06 December 1948 vol 459 cc25-6
50. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has any statement to make regarding the preliminary report of the Exmoor Survey by the University of Bristol, a copy of which was forwarded to him.

Mr. G. Brown

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend prefers to await the final report. This preliminary report is of much interest but deals with only one of several aspects of farming conditions on Exmoor.

Mr. Collins

Is my hon. Friend aware that although, on the whole, agriculture is very prosperous, at the same time areas similar to this are depressed areas, and need urgent treatment? Cannot he give any information concerning recommendations arising out of the interim report?

Mr. Brown

No, Sir. I do not think it would be wise to do that. There will be a final report which will include much wider technical and social data than that which is in the rather limited interim report, and my right hon. Friend prefers to wait for that report.