§ 70. Lieut.-Commander KENW0RTHYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether there is an office known as the controller of horticulture at the Board of Agriculture held by a Mr. Lobjoit; if so, what are his exact duties; whether he is a grower of fruit and vegetables in Middlesex; and whether he was consulted before His Majesty's Government decided to support the Merchandise Marks Bill now before Parliament?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Ministry's horticultural division, of which Mr. Lobjoit is in charge, is responsible for the administrative action which is taken under the 1677 Destructive Insects and Pests Acts for the eradication or control of diseases and pests of plants and fruit; and for the initiation and administration of schemes for the development of commercial horticulture, etc. The reply to the third part is in the affirmative. Mr. Lobjoit is not a member of the Ministry's permanent staff, and the Ministry is indebted to him for placing his long experience at the service of the Department. It. is not the practice to give the names of Departmental officers consulted about particular Measures. The decision to support the Merchandise Marks Bill was taken by His Majesty's Government on grounds of general policy; and they accept responsibility. Technical officers arc consulted on points of detail as necessity arises.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask whether, among these technical officers, anyone was consulted with a knowledge of the import trade in fruit and vegetables, and also whether any importers of fruit or vegetables were consulted by the Department'
§ Sir R. SANDERSI must have notice of that question.