§ 20. Mr. Pardoeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what he intends to do about the report of the Committee of Investigation for Great Britain into complaints by Western Egg Pasteurising Company Limited and a consortium of agricultural co-operatives.
§ Mr. PeartI have now received the British Egg Marketing Board's detailed comments on the Committee's report, and I am discussing with the Board the possibilities of a tendering system.
§ Mr. PardoeIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it is five months since the Report was made, and that in it the actions of these traders were judged contrary to the interests of my constituents? Although it may take some time for the right hon. Gentleman to sort out the mess of the Egg Marketing Board, is it not time to do something to relieve the hardship suffered by my constituents?
§ Mr. PeartI know that the hon. Gentleman is pleading a special case, but I must deal with the Report as a whole. It is true that the Report is dated 20th July, but I received the Board's comments only on 2nd December and had a full explanation of some of the difficulties only on 9th December. I have not delayed in any way. But I am anxious to study the Report sensibly and carefully.
§ Mr. PardoeIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek leave to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.