HC Deb 20 July 1966 vol 732 cc598-9
2. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now make a statement on the implementation of the Brambell Report on farm animals.

9. Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken in accordance with the recommendation of the Brambell Committee to ensure that the intention of its report is not prejudiced by imports of food produced under unacceptable systems; and what progress has been made in this direction.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Fred Peart)

My right hon. Friend and I are still considering this Report, including the recommendation about imports.

Mr. Wall

Can the Minister say what is causing this long delay? If it is because of the long congestion in the legislative programme, would he consider setting up a standing advisory committee to keep this matter under review, as so many people are interested in the results of this Report?

Mr. Peart

It is not a question of a hold-up in legislation. It is merely a question of giving the industry and all interested parties a fair opportunity to present their views. This is a very difficult matter and I will make a statement as soon as I can.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the need to secure some satisfactory arrangement overseas as the basis of any final arrangement? Will he consider urgently ways of taking this essential preliminary step?

Mr. Peart

The position of overseas countries in relation to our imports of food products is something that I shall have to bear in mind, and I am doing so.

Mr. Molloy

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are very many people in the country who are greatly interested in the Brambell Report and who will be a little, disappointed at the delay which is taking place in implementing its recommendations? Will my right hon. Friend bear this in mind?

Mr. Peart

There is no delay here. I hope that my hon. Friend has read the Report very carefully. It involves a considerable number of organisations and one must give them an opportunity to air their views fully.

Mr. Godber

Will the Minister confirm the undertaking, given by the Leader of the House, that we shall have an opportunity to debate this Report before the Summer Recess? This would be welcomed on both sides of the House.

Mr. Peart

The right hon. Gentleman should put that question to the Leader of the House, not to me.