HC Deb 08 June 1971 vol 818 cc849-50
13. Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of recent developments, if he will now appoint an official committee of inquiry to consider the current outbreak of fowl pest.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Torrington (Mr. Peter Mills) on 25th May.—[Vol. 818, c. 84–5.]

Mr. Farr

While I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that answer, may I point out that I have seen that reply. Does he feel that the committee which his right hon. Friend has announced will be sufficiently broad-based to obtain confidence in the industry which is so necessary? Secondly, can he tell me whether the committee will publish its reply?

Mr. Stodart

The committee consists of men who are recognised to be of very high standing in the poultry world. They will carry authority. As to my hon. Friend's second point, the findings of the committee will be published in full.

Mr. Mackie

Has the hon. Gentleman any doubt whatever that the reason for these outbreaks was simply the lack of vaccination during the period since the Plant Report?

Mr. Stodart

It would be very risky to say that there was no doubt whatever, but I would have said that the evidence was overwhelmingly in favour of what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Mr. Charles Morrison

While I welcome the appointment of independent members to the committee, may I ask my hon. Friend to give further consideration to the possibility of there being appointed extra independent members who are not directly concerned with the poultry industry but are concerned with the environment as a whole? Alternatively, if he is unable to do that, will he give an undertaking that evidence will be accepted from organisations more generally concerned with the environment?

Mr. Stodart

Evidence will be welcomed from any source at all.