§ 2.42 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT BLEDISLOEMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
[The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether and, if so, how soon it is proposed to issue a White Paper indicating their attitude to the Report of the Runciman Committee on the Marketing of Horticultural Produce.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL ST. ALDWYN)My Lords, as my right honourable friend said in another place on January 28, the important proposals contained in this Report will need careful examination, not only by Her Majesty's Government but also by the many associations representing the interests affected. Although this is bound to take some time, my right honourable friend hopes to be able to indicate the Government's views on the principal conclusions and recommendations of the Report before the Summer Recess. Such a statement might take the form of a White Paper, but my right honourable friend would prefer not to tie himself to any particular form at this stage.
§ VISCOUNT BLEDISLOEMy Lords, arising out of that reply, may I suggest to the noble Earl that it would be a matter of considerable convenience to fruit growers, and especially the growers of soft fruit, if the Government's attitude towards the Runciman Report could be made known before the soft fruit season is over?
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, I am sure your Lordships will appreciate that it is vital that there should be full consultation with all the interests concerned before any final decision is taken by the Government. As I have said, we will press on with these consultations as best we can, but it is a matter which cannot be rushed too much.