28. Mr. ACLANDasked the Minister of Agriculture what duties were defined for the consumers' committee which was appointed in December, 1933, in pursuance of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931; whether it is representative of all classes of society; how many times this committee has met since its inception and during the past year; and what activities have been undertaken by it?
§ Mr. W. S. MORRISONThe duties of a consumers' committee appointed under Section 9 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931, are as defined in Section 9 (2) (b) of that Act. I am sending the hon. Member a list of the members of the committees for Great Britain and England from which he will see that the committees are well qualified to represent consumers. The consumers' committee for Great Britain and England have met 18 and 19 times respectively since their appointment, of which meetings nine and three respectively have been held this year. These figures include meetings of sub-committees. The committee for England have considered a number of complaints, and have made four reports to the Minister regarding the operation of the Milk Marketing Scheme. The Great Britain committee has reported as to the operation of the potato marketing scheme. These reports have been published and are obtainable on request from my Department. I would add that the Food Council, the personnel of which is identical with that of the Great Britain committee, will shortly report to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade regarding the operation of the pigs and bacon marketing schemes.