asked the Minister of Food whether he has received any recent report on the progress and prospects of the East African groundnuts scheme; and whether he proposes to publish it.

Yes, Sir. The managing agents who are operating this scheme present a progress report every calendar month and the report for September has been received. These reports go into great detail, and are not suitable for publication. My right hon. Friend, however, is making a review of the progress of the scheme and will make a statement in the House on the subject soon.

Is the Minister aware that as far back as last April the House was promised that a report on this scheme would be published in September? Would it not be more convenient, in view of the fact that we are to debate this matter on Thursday, that, the original undertaking should be carried out?

Certainly we made a promise, and we expect to fulfil it, but the report has only just reached us, and I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend will make a statement, and I will convey the matter to him.

It, as the hon. Lady says, monthly progress reports are obtained, could we not have had the last monthly progress report up to September?

One would naturally think that the House would like the latest report.