HC Deb 31 March 1965 vol 709 cc1635-6
13. Mr. Wallace

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in his plans for meat marketing, he will include imported meat and offal.

20. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to implement the proposals of the Verdon-Smith Report.

9. Mr. Prior

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now announce his plans for meat marketing following the Verdon-Smith report.

Mr. Peart

I will, with permission, answer this Question and Questions Nos. 20 and 9 together.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Worcester (Mr. Peter Walker) on 24th March. I have now started consultations with the main organisations concerned.

Mr. Wallace

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is an urgent and important matter, particularly from the point of view of the balance of payments position? Is there any possibility of an early development of his plan, which will be welcomed by the very friendly and sensible farmers in Norfolk?

Mr. Peart

I am anxious to speed this up, and that is why consultations have already taken place.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Gilmour.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Would the right hon. Gentleman accept that my Question No. 29 bears no relation to Question No. 13?

Mr. Peart

I did not say so.

Mr. Speaker

We are not doing very well, but I am the principal confuser. Mr. Gilmour to ask No. 14.