HC Deb 18 May 1950 vol 475 c1392
63. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture the stage reached in the preparation of a wool marketing scheme; and the date when sheep farmers will be asked to vote on the scheme.

Mr. T. Williams

My colleagues and I are now awaiting the report of the public inquiry held recently into certain objections to the wool marketing scheme. The poll of registered producers cannot take place until Parliament has approved the scheme.

Mr. Hurd

Can the Minister give us an idea of when this scheme will be brought before Parliament, and what time has to elapse after he has received the report from the Commission?

Mr. Williams

I cannot say that, because I do not know when the inquiry will conclude.

Mr. Renton

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that this and other marketing schemes will not be held up by his Department so as to become an issue at the next General Election?

Mr. Williams

That is another question.

Captain Duncan

Is this a Great Britain marketing scheme, or will there be a special one for Scotland?

Mr. Williams

It is a Great Britain scheme.