HC Deb 17 May 1934 vol 289 cc1933-4
37. Captain A. EVANS

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that no printed copies of the list of registered milk producers are available for the use of candidates for election as regional representatives on the Milk Marketing Board, and copies can only be supplied at the cost of ½d. per name which, in the case of the south-eastern area, would amount to between £40 and £50; and if, in order that independent candidates can submit themselves for election, he will cause a roll of registered producers to be available at a reasonable cost?

Mr. ELLIOT

The amount of the fee to be charged for supplying extracts from the register of milk producers is a matter for the Milk Marketing Board, subject to the requirement that the fee shall not exceed one halfpenny for each entry copied. Any person may take extracts from the register for his own use free of charge. I have no power to intervene in this matter.

Captain EVANS

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this condition of affairs really means that it is absolutely impossible for an independent candidate who is not an official nominee of the National Farmers' Union to offer himself for election; and that, in view of the fact that the officials of the Milk Marketing Board are now using the roll for their own purposes, no candidate has sufficient time to get a copy for election purposes?

Mr. ELLIOT

Obviously I cannot debate the matter at Question Time. It is a matter for the registered producers and the board, and it is not a matter in which I have power to interfere.

Captain EVANS

In view of the very high cost of procuring an adequate copy of the roll of electors, will my right hon. Friend represent this to the Milk Marketing Board officials with a view to its being rectified?

Mr. ELLIOT

I do not think my representations would have any more effect than those of my hon. and gallant Friend.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in one case brought to my notice the other day it was calculated that it would cost £700 to put up their candidates for this election; and, if we want to get new blood on this board, will not my right hon. Friend look into the matter and see that these elections are put on a fair basis?

Mr. ELLIOT

These matters are subject to the provisions of the scheme, and I have no power to intervene in the matter.