The mess that is the government’s handling of the future of quangos is fast becoming one of the first big embarrassments for the fledgling coalition.

With at least 177 - and perhaps as many as 300 - bodies affected, thousands of jobs are potentially on the line. It’s not fair for so many people to have to sit around for months wondering if they will have work while government labours over a decision.

That’s not to mention the impact it has on industry. If expert committees handling complex topics such as pesticides are removed, the industry needs to plan how key information is transmitted to government in future.

It’s the same story with the future of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. We keep being told that no decision has been taken and it will be made as part of an autumn spending review, but suppliers and schools need clarity now.

Regardless of your view of how successful various schemes have actually been in increasing fresh produce consumption, surely there isn’t anyone who doesn’t think it’s a good idea to introduce children to healthy eating from a young age?

It’s notoriously difficult to get young children to eat fresh produce, but the group environment of a school classroom means even the most reluctant child will eat a piece of fruit or veg when they wouldn’t go near one at home.

Take away that educational backdrop and there will be more children than ever thinking that potatoes grow on trees and that tomatoes are produced by Tesco.

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