HC Deb 25 May 1966 vol 729 cc455-6
16. Mr. Ian Gilmour

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will announce details of the extension of the Horticultural Improvement Scheme.

Mr. Hoy

My right hon. Friends hope to lay a draft Scheme before Parliament very soon after the Whitsun Recess.

Mr. Gilmour

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the delay and uncertainty over this Scheme has already caused havoc in parts of the horticultural industry, including loss of crops? Will he see that his right hon. Friend in future refrains from making general propaganda statements, until he has some idea of what he is going to carry out?

Mr. Hoy

There is no havoc, but there is certainly some concern until the scheme is made. We have been discussing this with the Farmers' Union, and I am certain that the hon. Gentleman would not want us to carry out a scheme without going through that procedure.