§ 9. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has yet received from the Hewer Committee the report on the points of disagreement with the codes of practice expressed in the debate on 20th October, 1969; and whether he will publish the report.
§ Mr. MackieMy right hon. Friend the Minister and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland hope to receive this report in May. When the report has been received consideration will be given to its publication.
§ Mr. TurtonIs the Minister aware that there is widespread concern about the inadequacy of certain of these codes of practice? Does he remember that on 20th October last year a Division was avoided because his right hon. Friend gave a definite assurance that he would speedily place this report before the House? Will the Minister give us an assurance today that his right hon. Friend's assurance will be implemented speedily and fully?
§ Mr. MackieI explained to the right hon. Gentleman some time ago, in answer to a question, that this is a complicated matter. We know how seriously people feel about it. I shall convey the point made by the right hon. Gentleman to 1369 my right hon. Friends, but the right hon. Gentleman, as an ex-Minister, knows that a report to a Minister is not always published. This is an advisory report to the Ministers.