§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I beg to ask the Second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have a statement to make about a Committee of Inquiry into horticultural marketing.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (EARL ST. ALDWYN)My Lords, I am very glad to say that the noble Viscount, Lord Runciman of Doxford, has agreed to act as Chairman of the Committee of Inquiry into Horticultural Marketing. The Committee's terms of reference will be:
To investigate the present facilities for and methods of marketing home-produced and imported vegetables, fruit and flowers; to consider whether the marketing and distribution of such produce can be improved; and to make recommendations.My right honourable friend will announce the names of the other members as soon as possible, and I expect that the Committee will then begin work at once.
§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Earl for his reply. Will he ask the Committee to make their Report as quickly as possible, as this is a matter of great urgency, and the sooner the Report is available the better for all interested in this problem?
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, I am sure that my right honourable friend will make it plain to the members of the Committee that the Report is urgently required.