§ 41. Mr. ROSBOTHAMasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the present conditions under which potatoes are sold; and will he consider the setting up of a commission, with a view to preparing a scheme under the Agricultural Marketing Act, for the better regulation and disposal of this product?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)The Government have already intimated in the statement of Agricultural Policy of 11th February their willingness to appoint a Reorganisation Commission for potatoes if and when growers desire this step to be taken. I understand, however, that discussions are at present proceeding between organisations of growers and wholesalers on the details of a scheme prepared by the industry itself.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think that this is an occasion when a recommendation might be made to the Tariff Board that only conditional upon such a marketing scheme being brought into existence will the continuation of the existing import duty upon potatoes be allowed?
§ Major ELLIOTI do not think that it is part of the duty of the Government to make recommendations of that kind to the Advisory Committee.