§ 23. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the 602 progress of the Fleck Committee, now inquiring into the fishing industry, indicating what its interim proposals are; and when he expects its final Report.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare)The Committee has now received written and oral evidence from most of the interests concerned but it is not yet possible to say when it will be able to report. The Committee has not made any interim proposals.
§ Mr. HughesThough it may not be possible for the Committee to make an interim Report, does the Minister realise that the issues before the Committee are of the utmost importance to the fishing industry, the members of which are anxiously awaiting the Report, so as to know what the Government's programme will be?
§ Mr. HareI entirely agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman that the issues before the Committee are of the utmost importance to the fishing industry, but I would say that where such important matters are being considered it is not in the public interest that the work of the Committee should be cut short.