§ 41. Mr. DALLASasked the Minister of Agriculture what representations he has received from firms, members of the National Poultry Council, with regard to the leaflet hostile to the Marketing Bill issued by the National Poultry Council on behalf of poultry and chicken food manufacturers?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am unaware to what extent the firms on whose behalf the circular is alleged to have been issued, are members of the National Poultry Council. I am, however, informed by the Scientific Poultry Breeders' Association, which is a very large manufacturer of feeding stuffs on behalf of its members and is affiliated to the National Poultry Council, that it is not associated with the issue of this circular, which in my opinion, is inaccurate and misleading propaganda.
§ Mr. ALPASSIs it not a fact that one of the greatest experts in the marketing of British eggs, who has handled over 12,000,000 is very strongly in favour of the principles of the Bill?
§ Dr. ADDISONI think that is so.
Earl WINTERTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to imply by his answer that the National Poultry Council has issued a spurious manifesto?
§ Dr. ADDISONNo, but I say that statements in the manifesto are inaccurate and misleading.
§ Mr. HANNONIs it not the case that the National Poultry Council considered the Bill on its merits, and that, like any other public body, they are entitled to make representations upon it?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have no doubt that they did so. All I say is that their statements are inaccurate and misleading.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to letters in the Press, the Council think his speech inaccurate and misleading.