§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy towards the setting up of a Welsh Meat Marketing Board; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MorrisI am not aware of any such proposal from producers and would be grateful for any details relating to one which the hon. Member may have under the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958. The initiative for the formation of any marketing board must come from producers. Any proposals which Welsh producers put forward in accordance with the Act would have to be published and all interests concerned would have a full opportunity to express their opinions. In view of ministerial responsibilities under the Act, it would not be right for me to reach a conclusion until I had considered the proposals and the opinions expressed on them.