HC Deb 24 November 1919 vol 121 cc1430-1
51. Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAM

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Agricultural Organisation Society, which is subsidised from public funds, is engaged in promoting a trading concern called the Agricultural Wholesale Society; and whether such a purpose is within the objects for winch the funds have been granted by Parliament?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir A. Boscawen)

In order to assist the farmers' co-operative movement, which is its principal duty, the Agricultural Organisation Society is: interested in the success of the Agricultural Wholesale Society, which is an enlargement of the Farmers' Central Trading Board, and was formed last year, but has not given and does not give it any pecuniary support.

52. Major BARNES

asked the Prime Minister whether the action of the Board of Agriculture in issuing literature in which appeals are made for the support of. a trading concern, namely, the Agricultural Wholesale Society, has the consent of the Government; and, if so, is it to be understood that the establishment of private trading concerns with the aid of the State is now part of the policy of His Majesty's Government?

80. Mr. GALBRAITH

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his Department is prepared to grant the same facilities for advertising its business as those accorded to the Agricultural Society in No. 3 of the Guides to Smallholders to any other trading firm that may be able to satisfy the Department of the efficiency of its organisation and its ability to supply the goods required?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I cannot agree that the Agricultural Wholesale Society I stands on the same footing as a private; trading concern. The Government thinks I it desirable that Service; men intending to settle on the land as smallholders and the co-operative societies formed for their benefit should be aware of the facilities afforded by the Agricultural Wholesale Society.

Mr. NEWBOULD

Does that mean that this society has a grant of money from the Board of Agriculture?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

If my hon. Friend means the Agricultural Wholesale Society, the answer is in the negative.

Mr. E. WOOD

May I ask whether it is a fact that this society is trading entirely for public purposes and not for private profit?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

It is trading entirely for the benefit of the co-operative movement among farmers and smallholders.

79. Mr. GALBRAITH

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it is a fact, as stated by his Department in its published literature, that the Agricultural Organisation Society, acting as the recognised official agent of his Board, does pay out of public funds the registration fee and other charges incidental thereto for the Agricultural Cooperative Society it promotes; and, if so, whether this practice has the approval of the Government?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

The hon. Member has misinterpreted the reference in the Guide to Smallholders, No. 3, issued for the information of Service men intending to settle on the land. The Agricultural Organisation Society does not pay the registration fees and other charges incidental thereto for the co-operative societies which it promotes. Through its assistance and advice these expenses are reduced to a minimum, but they are all paid by the cooperative societies themselves.