§ 16. Mr. LYONSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the number of cases in which fines have been ordered by the Milk Marketing Board; in how many cases the public have been present; and the amounts of the penalties imposed?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that 413 penalties have been imposed upon registered milk producers under the provisions of the Milk Marketing Scheme, and that in the aggregate these penalties amount to £8,050. As to the second part of my hon. Friend's question, I would refer him to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset East, on 1st November.
§ Mr. LYONSHas the right hon. Gentleman now instructed the Board that all such cases should be heard in the presence of the public if the public desire to have admission?
§ Mr. ELLIOTIt is for Parliament and not for the Minister to instruct the Board, and instructions have already been given.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHas the Board yet decided to establish regional courts?
§ Mr. ELLIOTAs the hon. Gentleman knows, I promised to inquire into that, and I am not yet able to give him an answer.
§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEWIs it a fact that in the case of producer-retailers the Board have no means of collecting fines?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI should require notice of that question.