Mr. R. Morģanasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will issue a list showing the agricultural commodities with regard to which statistics may be published in this country at the present time in regard to production and disposal; and whether, in view of the fact that there is already full publication of statistics with regard to such products as sugar-beet, pigs, and other livestock, he will arrange for full particulars to be available in order to enable appropriate action to be taken to overcome any disputes or criticism that arise?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe publication of official statistics on agricultural matters under present conditions is governed by considerations of the national interest, and of economy in public expenditure, and also by the extent to which measures of control of the marketing and prices of agricultural products render market reports unnecessary. In these circumstances, it is not possible to make fixed arrangements for the publication of statistics, but I would assure my hon. Friend that information will be made available when it is practicable to do so.