§ 5. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement concerning the future of the Egg Marketing Board.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesAs my hon. Friend said in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Armagh (Mr. Maginnis) on 19th November, I hope to make a statement shortly.—[Vol. 773, c. 253.]
§ Sir G. NabarroWhat is "shortly"? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the egg-producing industry in Worcestershire is in a state of chaos as a result of months of Ministerial timidity and lack of decision? Will he not get a move on and make a statement if only to put the egg producers into good order?
§ Mr. HughesIf production in Worcestershire is in a state of chaos, that must be attributable to the hon. Member, not to the Government. But I cannot accept for one moment that there has been any unavoidable delay here. The Report, as the hon. Gentleman knows, raises far-reaching issues which need careful consideration in the light of views expressed by the wide range of interests concerned. I will make a statement in as short a time as I can, possibly in the early part of next month.