HC Deb 06 May 1963 vol 677 cc16-7
24. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the urgency of the matter, he will ask the Verdon-Smith Committee on Meat Marketing to issue an interim report before completion of its programme towards the end of the year.

Mr. Soames

No, Sir. This complex subject is being investigated as a whole, and an interim report covering only part of the field would be of doubtful value.

Mr. Bossom

Will my right hon. Friend try to hasten this much-needed report by this excellent Committee? Does my right hon. Friend realise the growing concern among the general public and the farming community about the rising subsidy bill and also about the problem of imports of meat at present?

Mr. Soames

Of course, I am aware of this problem, and it was this which prompted the Government to set up the Committee which, as my hon. Friend rightly says, is an excellent one. To some extent, the matter must be left to the Committee. It is aware of the urgency of the matter. It is a question of its being able to cover the necessary ground as quickly as possible.

Mr. Peart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his discussions with the industry on future policy could be affected by the recommendations of this Committee or, indeed, by the discussions on them? Would it not, therefore, be possible to give a hint to this important Committee that its work should be speeded up?

Mr. Soames

It is working as fast as it can to get the report out as soon as possible.