§ 55. Mr. MILLARasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is intended to make use of the services of auctioneers and livestock salesmen and other existing well-organised selling and distributive agencies, under his marketing proposals?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe approval of a scheme submitted by producers under the Marketing Bill is contingent upon the Minister being satisfied that it will conduce to the more efficient production and marketing of the regulated product. I cannot anticipate the lines of any future schemes which only the producers concerned can submit, but I should expect them to involve the minimum dislocation, consonant with efficiency, of the existing distributive channels and trade practices.
§ Mr. MILLARAm Ito understand that the right hon. Gentleman intends to take into account the services of existing agencies, in consultation with the Dominions?
§ Dr. ADDISONOf course, we take all matters into account. I hope the hon. Member will not lose sight of the fact that the object of the scheme is to help the producer.
§ Mr. MILLARIs it not also the purpose of the Act to use agencies that are likely to be helpful in securing that end?
§ Dr. ADDISONSo far as they help the producer, yes, but not otherwise.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSBritish or foreign producers?