HC Deb 19 March 1934 vol 287 cc850-1
Earl WINTERTON (by Private Notice)

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the price to be paid to farmers for milk sold to distributors as a result of the arbitrators' award, during the summer months period is even in the south-eastern area—where the price will be highest—below the cost of production, he can take any step to deal with the serious situation which will arise?

Mr. ELLIOT

I have no power under the Milk Marketing Scheme to alter the award, as such. I have no doubt that the appointed persons, before arriving at their decision, took all relevant factors into consideration, including costs of production.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the award of the arbitrators will leave such a small margin to the producer of liquid milk that it will be impossible to carry on productively?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am afraid that I cannot enter into discussions as to the merits of the award. The award has been made, and I have no power under the scheme to alter the award as such. The arbitrators gave very full consideration to the matter before making their award.

Earl WINTERTON

In view of the very serious situation which is likely to arise through the withholding of milk from the distributors, would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to see the accredited representatives of the National Farmers' Union on the whole matter?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am always prepared to meet the representatives of the National Farmers' Union.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman any intention of going behind the backs of the arbitrators, or is he going to take any steps to interfere with their decision?

Mr. ELLIOT

I have said that I have no power to alter the award.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Yes, but is the right hon. Gentleman going to apply any other method of trying to get round it? If not, what is the use of seeing the National Farmers' Union about the question?

Mr. ELLIOT

As the hon. Member is aware, there are provisions in the Act of 1931 whereby aggrieved persons may lay their complaints before a committee of investigation, and, if that committee of investigation reports, I have to take certain action. It is possible that certain facts might be laid before me which would make it impossible for me to say that I would refuse to deal with them.

Captain CROOKSHANK

Who suggested that there should be arbitrators?

Mr. ELLIOT

It was agreed between the two sides when the scheme was put forward, and it was finally clinched by this House.

Mr. MAXTON

Does it not show the weakness of putting things into the hands of people who are not responsible to Parliament?

Mr. ELLIOT

In the present Parliament I doubt if the pressure would be on the side of my hon. Friend. Putting these matters directly into the hands of Parliament might lead to far greater injustices and grievances than those which have arisen.