§ Mr. Wellbelovedasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has completed his consultations about the future of the Apple and Pear Development Council; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesYes. After consulting the Council, the National Farmers' Union, the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers and the Transport and General Workers' Union, which all supported the Council's continuation, and taking note of expressions of view by other people and organisations I have concluded that it is 397W desirable for the Council to continue in being.
I have also concluded in the light of the consultations that it is desirable to increase from 30s. to 60s. per acre the maximum rate of annual charge which the Council may levy.
In order to allow for this increase I shall lay a draft amending Order before Parliament as soon as possible. The Council also made a proposal that it should be enabled to require payment for up to 12 months in arrears from growers who should have registered but failed to do so. This proposal is under consideration.