HC Deb 09 July 1959 vol 608 cc1537-8
10. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has completed his consultations about a Horticultural Marketing Council with the interests concerned; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Hare

Consultations are still going on, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Willey

The right hon. Gentleman will not be surprised if I press him. There has been a long delay. Is the right hon. Gentleman confident that there will be a statement before the Summer Recess?

Mr. Hare

No, I am not confident that I can give that pledge. This is a very complicated and very revolutionary suggestion. We must see that the various interested bodies are able to consult with one another. I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the pledge for which he asks.

Mr. Willey

But the right hon. Gentleman knows that the Runciman Report came out a very long time ago and it was generally accepted. We expect some action from the Government after this lapse of time.

Mr. Hare

The hon. Gentleman is far too closely associated with the industry not to realise that what I have said is good common sense. We must have consultations and ensure that all interests are in a position to be able to give their views on this very new line of thinking.