§ VISCOUNT BLEDISLOEMy 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 the names and qualifications for their task of the Grassland Utilisation Committee; how often they propose to meet; whether they will make periodical reports on the results of their investigations; and whether the latter will include evidence submitted by experts from different parts of the world on the production and management of herbage plants who attended the recent International Grassland Congress in New Zealand.]
403§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, I am glad to give the information asked for by the noble Viscount, Lord Bledisloe. As the list of members and their qualifications is rather long to give orally, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The list comprises, in addition to the Chairman, who has a long and distinguished experience in administration in widely different fields, two Professors of Agriculture, one of whom attended the International Grassland Congress held in New Zealand, a Reader in Agricultural Economics, four farmers of considerable experience, two persons with outstanding knowledge of the fertiliser and feedingstuffs industries, and a Chartered Accountant of long experience which includes administration of subsidies during the war.
The Committee have so far held two meetings and made two visits, and expect to meet twice a month and perhaps more frequently in the closing stages of the work. In addition, the Committee have planned to pay a number of visits to farms and agricultural institutions of special interest within their field in various parts of the country. It is understood that they do not expect to make periodical reports on the results of their investigations; and that they hope to submit a complete Report in the summer or autumn of 1958. The Committee has made a public appeal for evidence from organisations and individuals with special knowledge of grassland and allied matters. The appeal is meeting with a good response.
§ Following is the list of members referred to: