HC Deb 07 June 1956 vol 553 cc1250-1
7. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he can now report on the preparation of an egg marketing scheme.

10. Mr. Holt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has considered the Report of the commission on the egg marketing scheme; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Amory

The public inquiry into objections to the proposed egg marketing scheme submitted by the three farmers' unions was completed on 13th April. The commissioner who held the inquiry is now preparing his Report, and I expect to receive it in a week or so.

Sir I. Fraser

Will a statement be made to this House within a week or so?

Mr. Amory

No. I shall have to consider the Report when I receive it, and the Government will then have to decide whether to put the scheme, either in its present or in a modified form, before Parliament.

Mr. Champion

Will the Minister publish the verbatim report of the evidence which was given before the commission? It has aroused tremendous interest, and we should have it available to us.

Mr. Amory

The hon. Member for Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Champion) knows that it has previously been the practice not to publish the reports of commissions, but my colleagues and I will consider the question when the Report reaches us.