§ 58. Major CARVERasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is prepared to institute a system of meat marketing so that the producer may be certain of receiving a fair price as against the present method of so-called rings and knock-outs at auction sales?
§ Major ELLIOTThe organisation of marketing is, I think, primarily a matter to be initiated by producers themselves, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I have given and will continue to give them all the help within my power.
§ Major CARVERMay I have a reply to the last part of the question? Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that an Act of Parliament exists for dealing with these rings and knock-outs, and has never been put into force?
§ Major ELLIOTI am only prepared to answer that part of the question dealing with the institution of a system of meat marketing, and I said that I think the organisation of marketing is a matter primarily to be instituted by the producers themselves.
Mr. PRICEIn giving consideration to the question of guaranteeing wholesale prices to farmers, will the Government in any new legislation include some protection for the retailer?
§ Major COLFOXWould not the Minister help the producers to get better prices if he were to repeal or modify some of the more irksome regulations which prevent farmers themselves acting as retail traders?
§ Major ELLIOTI am perfectly prepared to examine any suggestions which my hon. Friends may put forward.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman encourage or discourage farmers killing their own meat and selling it themselves, as many farmers are being driven to do?
§ Major ELLIOTI do not think that at the moment I am called upon to encourage or discourage the practice.