HC Deb 20 November 1968 vol 773 cc1277-8
15. Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the Northumberland Committee has taken sufficient oral evidence from farmers and other directly affected by the foot-and-mouth epidemic of last winter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

The Northumberland Committee is an independent Committee. It is therefore for it to decide what oral evidence to take. Before the investigation began, the Committee issued a general invitation to anyone who wished to submit evidence.

Mr. Biffen

I appreciate the Answer given by the right hon. Gentleman, but would he not agree that it is understandable that there should be widespread concern in farming circles in North Shropshire that the Committee has not felt able, in places like Oswestry, Aylesbury and Whitchurch, to take oral evidence from those most intimately concerned in the tragedy of a year ago?

Mr. Hughes

The hon. Gentleman knows that the Committee met in Chester on 10th April to take oral evidence from representatives of farming interest in Shropshire and the adjoining counties, and they were given adequate opportunity there. If the hon. Gentleman feels that there is a need for further opportunities, I am sure that, if he conveys this to the Committee when they are on the second stage of their inquiries, this will be considered sympathetically.