The 1959 Hansard Trawl - featuring tomatoes, pigs, G.B Shaw and background music
Kicking off with a bit of toxic waste:
Mr. E. Fletcher asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further steps he is taking to minimise the dangers through human consumption of fish caused by British methods of dumping radioactive waste at sea, in the light of the criticisms made at the International Atomic Energy Agency's conference at Monaco.
Mr. Godber Continuous monitoring by scientists of my Ministry and of the Atomic Energy Authority shows that the authorised discharges of radioactive waste to the sea do not give rise to any risk to consumers of fish. My right hon. Friend will, of course, study the official report of the Monaco Conference when this is received.
(And they glow on your plate, saving on lighting)
Mr. Fletcher Will the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind the fundamental differences in scientific circles about the dangers from the disposal of radioactive waste? Is he aware that the Windscale works disposes of more radioactive waste in the sea than is disposed of in any other country? Is the hon. Gentleman also aware that at this conference of the most eminent scientists in Europe the view was expressed that there should be no disposal of radioactive waste at all but that it should all be stored?
Mr. Godber I am aware of the point of view put forward by certain delegates of other countries, but I should like to emphasise that we have a very careful monitoring of any area where the Windscale waste goes, and reports so far certainly do not bear out any of the fears that have been expressed.
For the benefit of any younger readers Windscale is the old name for Sellafield.
Mr. D. Price asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that in September the price for tomatoes to the grower fell to 2s. for 12 lb., whereas the cost of production is about 9s. for 12 lb.; and what steps he intends to take to protect producers from losses of this kind.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare) In early September, market prices for tomatoes were low, ranging from 2s. to 12s. for 12 lb. according to quality, but the cost of production must be compared with returns for the season as a whole. The seasonal tariff is designed to give producers reasonable protection from excessive imports. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is answering a later Question on the subject of the tomato tariff.
Poor darlings. They should have grown something else or left the land. I wonder if Price would have been as concerned if it was the other foot that was bebooted.
An extract from a debate on pigs:
Mr. LiptonWas it not made very clear by the Government not very long ago and on more than one occasion that too many pigs were being produced? What is the use of hon. Members who support the Government belly-aching now about the situation?
Mr. Nabarro Not a Parliamentary term.
Doubtless.
Something rather more pleasant:
Mr. Pitman asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum has accrued to the British Museum to date as its share of the estate of the late George Bernard Shaw.
Sir E. Boyle The Answer is £163,924 10s. 5d.
And a grateful nation gives thanks. His plan to fund a simplified spelling system having failed a test of litigation, monies also went to RADA and the National Gallery of Ireland.
Meanwhile over in the Other Place, this:
LORD CONESFORD My Lords, I beg leave to ask Her Majesty's Government the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper. To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the B.E.A. or the B.O.A.C. intend to subject their passengers to compulsory background music on any of their services; and, if so, what steps they take to warn the passengers before they buy their tickets.
THE PAYMASTER GENERAL (LORD MILLS) My Lords, I am informed that British Overseas Airways Corporation are considering a proposal to broadcast music to passengers while aircraft are stationary on the ground. The Corporation do not envisage such broadcasting while aircraft are in the air: nor, if the proposal is adopted, do they think it necessary to warn passengers in advance. I understand that British European Airways have no similar plans.
....
LORD CONESFORD My Lords, may I thank my noble friend for an Answer that is partly satisfactory? Is my noble friend aware that the helpless victim of such noise may suffer intense discomfort? Is there any possible reason why those who intend to inflict such discomfort upon him should not warn him of such intention in order to enable him to travel by other means?
LORD STONHAM Is the noble Lord aware that this matter involves a very great deal of tact? Because on October 9 of this year the broadcasting system of one railway station was playing, "Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag", which was offensive to almost half of Her Majesty's subjects.
Erm, lost me there.
Labels: 1959, Parliament
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Pigs - now isn't that interesting? Pigs are making an appearance all round the net at the moment. Those and cows.
This calls for a quote from the Greatest Ever Englishman: a dog looks up to you, a cat looks down at you, but only a pig will look you straight in the eye.
Or words to that effect. Anyway, we are all grateful for pigs and the joy they bring us food-wise.
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