§ LORD BLEDISLOEMy Lords, I beg to put the Question standing in my name on the Paper, which is the first Starred Question that has been put in this House. It is, to ask His Majesty's Government whether, and if so when, it is proposed to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the economic position of agriculture consequent upon the operation of the Corn Production Act, and with whom the appointment of its members will rest.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (LORD ERNLE)My Lords, the Government propose to set up as soon as possible a Royal Commission to inquire into the economic position of the agricultural industry, with special reference to the probable prices of corn, meat, and milk, and the probable costs of their production. I am informed that the Minister in charge of the Department concerned arranges with the Prime Minister as to the terms of reference and the constitution of the proposed Commission. I am unable to state the exact terms of reference to the Commission or its constitution.
§ LORD BLEDISLOEMay I ask the noble Lord whether we may expect at an early date to have the terms of reference and the personnel of this Commission, and whether, when they come to sit, a time-limit can be set upon their deliberations, within which they will make their Report?
§ LORD ERNLEThe full details will be given as soon as possible.