HC Deb 04 February 1954 vol 523 cc556-7
45. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Prime Minister whether the date on which the Ministry of Food will be wound up has been fixed; and what functions at present exercised by the Ministry of Food will be assigned to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)

No, Sir. The question has not yet been settled.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind the need for a Government agency other than the Ministry of Agriculture to protect consumer interests? Will he therefore reconsider the proposed abolition of the Ministry of Food, and announce the Government's final decision in the matter before he resigns the Premiership next May in favour of the Foreign Secretary?

Mr. Peart

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that because of the uncertainty of the Government on this matter, there is already uncertainty in the Government's long-term marketing proposals which has led to their failure to produce a proper marketing scheme for livestock, and that it may have serious effect upon our food production?

The Prime Minister

The greatest care and thought will continue to be given to the subject.