HC Deb 01 March 1962 vol 654 cc163-4W
45. Sir J. Maitland

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will give an assurance that in setting up his committee to report upon meat marketing and distribution he will include at least one person with special knowledge of animal health and welfare problems and of the relationship between such problems and increased centralisation of slaughtering.

Mr. Soames

To be effective the Committee of Inquiry must, I am sure, be small with completely independent membership. While I cannot give my hon. and gallant Friend the assurance he seeks, there will be nothing to stop the Committee from considering and taking expert evidence upon the problems he has in mind.

51. Mr. Morris

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the name of the chairman and members of the Committee of Inquiry into the marketing of fatstock; when the Committee is expected to meet; and whether he will request it to expedite its report, in view of the urgent need for a thorough re-appraisal of the whole system of meat marketing.

Mr. Soames

I am not yet in a position to make an announcement. I will do so immediately the constitution of the Committee has been settled.