HC Deb 09 May 1962 vol 659 cc424-5
17. Sir J. Duncan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the opposition to the recommendations of the Plant Committee on Fowl Pest, if he will take no action without the agreement of all the interests concerned.

Mr. Soames

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Sir A. Hurd) on 12th April.

Sir J. Duncan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Scotland the compensation payment has been very small due to the policy that we have adopted there of not allowing chicks and hatching eggs into Scotland, thus creating a reservoir of healthy stock? Is he aware of the opposition in Scotland to any suggestion that the Plant Committee's recommendations should be carried out relaxing the regulations on slaughtering?

Mr. Soames

I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland in this regard, and any action that we decide to take in the end will be based on the national interest as a whole.

Mr. Peart

Will the Minister reject the advice of his hon. Friend, because if we accept what he implied in his question no action will be taken? There must be positive action by the Government at some time.

Mr. Soames

When it is decided on, it will be on the basis of the national interest as a whole.