HC Deb 17 January 1968 vol 756 cc587-8W
Mr. Mackintosh

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the reply of the Meat and Livestock Commission to his request for its proposals on how extra output can be obtained from the livestock sector following on devaluation.

Mr. Hoy:

The Commission has of course been charged with a wide range of responsibilities designed to bring about improvements in livestock and meat production. I have no doubt that in considering this matter in terms of increased productivity it will take account of any relevant possibilities arising from devaluation. But priorities amongst their responsibilities are for the Commission themselves to determine in consultation with the industry.

Mr. Mackintosh

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether in the new circumstances following on devaluation, he will seek to amend the powers of the Meat and Livestock Commission in order to make it into a marketing authority capable of controlling imports and with support-buying powers.

Mr. Hoy:

No. Devaluation does not affect the validity of the conclusions on these two matters which were reached, after full consultation, in the White Paper "Marketing of Meat and Livestock" (Cmnd. 2737), and which the House subsequently considered during the passage of the Bill for the Agriculture Act, 1967.

Mr. Alasdair Mackenzie

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what procedure was followed in appointing the members of the Distribution Committee of the Meat Commission.

Mr. Hoy:

The procedure followed is fully set out in paragraph 2 of Part III of Schedule 1 to the Agriculture Act, 1967.

Mr. Alasdair Mackenzie

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consider appointing a member to the Distribution Committee of the Meat Commission who has personal experience of running an abattoir.

Mr. Hoy:

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend consider that the 23 members they have already appointed to this Committee, as part of the machinery of the Meat and Livestock Commission, are able to represent adequately all the interests concerned, including slaughterhouse interests.