HC Deb 07 June 1956 vol 553 cc1253-4
13. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Report on the provincial and local organisation and procedures of his Department.

Mr. Amory

Consultations with county agricultural executive committees and other organisations concerned are proceeding but in view of the far-reaching effect of some of the Wilson Committee's recommendations it is bound to be some little time before I can make a statement.

Mr. Willey

Appreciating that, and recognising that this is a first-class Report, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to pay regard to the fact that the Wilson Committee itself says that this is the time to carry out these reforms because of the integration of the Ministries of Food and Agriculture?

Mr. Amory

I entirely agree with what the hon. Gentleman has said. I should like to pay another tribute to the thoroughness with which Sir Arton Wilson and his colleagues carried out a difficult task.

Captain Duncan

In view of the national need for economy and of the fact that the recommendations of the Arton Wilson Report would save at least £500,000 a year, will my right hon. Friend press on with these reforms?

Mr. Amory

Yes, and I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will give me no chance of doing anything but that.