HC Deb 16 November 1971 vol 826 c195
6. Mr. John E. B. Hill

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of the Meat and Livestock Commission.

Mr. Prior

I announced on 30th September the appointment of a new Chairman and three other members of the Commission. I am satisfied that the Commission will continue to play a useful rôle in the meat and livestock industry.

Mr. Hill

Will the continuation of the Commission be worth while in bringing about better marketing prospects for home-produced meat in Britain and will the Minister say how the Commission is likely to fit within the context of the common agricultural policy?

Mr. Prior

I believe that it is too early yet to say how the Commission will fit into the context of the C.A.P., but we have in mind duties for the Commission in this respect. Under the new chairman, and with some of the new appointments which have been made, it is the Commission's intention to concentrate much more on the marketing of British meat and to explain to housewives what good value for money it is.