§ 23. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has yet considered the Report of the Reorganisation Commission for Pigs and Bacon ; and if he accepts the Commission's recommendations for the setting up of a pig industry development authority and for changes in the marketing arrangements for bacon pigs.
Mr. AmoryThe Report has now been discussed with the many interests concerned and the Commission's recommendations are being studied in the light of the views which have been expressed before a final decision is taken on future policy for pig production and marketing.
§ Mr. CollinsCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he hopes to make his decision known, and will he give an assurance that in any case there will be adequate notice of any changes he proposes to make and an opportunity of debating them in this House?
Mr. AmoryMy consideration is taking place now. I would hope that within the next two or three months we shall have reached some views on this matter—[Laughter.]—we shall have reached a stage where we shall be ready to take some decisions in this matter. I am quite certain there will be opportunities of discussing this very difficult, controversial, but important matter before anything is put in hand.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIn view of the fact that the National Farmers' Union has definitely condemned the recommendations contained in this Report, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he will ask the N.F.U. to put forward alternative proposals before he himself comes to a decision?
Mr. AmoryThere have been so very many different proposals made in the matter, most of which cancel themselves out, that I would be very glad of any considered proposals. Of course, I should attach great weight to the proposals and views put forward by the leaders of the industry.