HC Deb 17 February 1955 vol 537 cc534-5
5. Mr. Simon

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will publish, or make available to interested parties, the reports of commissioners appointed to conduct public inquiries under the Agricultural Marketing Acts.

Mr. Amory

It has always been the practice for these reports to be confidential.

Mr. Simon

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that, unless the reports are made available to the parties, they cannot be satisfied that the facts and arguments put forward by them have been correctly appreciated; secondly, that the authoritative Donoughmore Committee recommended that this type of report should be made available, and that to withhold it would be a denial of natural justice; thirdly, that the present system causes profound dissatisfaction among those affected by the inquiries? Will he look again at this matter?

Mr. Amory

I will bear in mind the points made by my hon. and learned Friend.

Mr. T. Williams

Have any representations been made to the right hon. Gentleman, either from the National Farmers' Union or from any consumers' organisation, requesting the publication of these reports?

Mr. Amory

To the best of my knowledge, I believe not.