§ 53. Mr. J. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is proposed to make a grant towards the British exhibit at the World's Poultry Congress to be held in the United States of America next year; and, if not, will he state the reason why?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe preparation of a national exhibit at the congress is a matter for the poultry industry, and the question was referred to the representative poultry organisations. I was informed that the industry was unable to undertake responsibility for an exhibit without very substantial assistance from public funds. Having regard to the relatively heavy cost of preparing and staging an exhibit in the United States of America, and to the fact that little, if any, material benefit would accrue to the poultry industry of this country, it was decided that financial assistance on the scale required by the industry could not, in existing circumstances, be justified.
§ Mr. MorganDid the Government find any difficulty in subscribing to the same exhibit in Germany two years ago; and taking that into account, is it not unfortunate that the impression should be given throughout the industry, both here and in America that, at a time when the Royal Family are to be in America, we are incapable of supporting a British exhibit there?
§ Mr. MorrisonI should like notice of the question as regards the German exhibit. With reference to the remainder of the supplementary question, it is a question of whether the expense would be justified. There are other ways in which public money could be expended much more advantageously.
§ Mr. MorganIs it not the case that the amount in question is £1,300, and in view of the facts will the Minister review the position?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe amount is, I believe, between £1,300 and £1,400, and the industry itself, which is primarily concerned with this matter, was only, as I understand, prepared to subscribe some 300 of that.
§ Mr. Morgan£1,000.
§ 54. Mr. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the delay in proceeding with the Milk Industry Bill will affect the introduction of the promised legislation for the poultry industry?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. MorganAs we understand that the setting up of a Poultry Commission is included in the proposed legislation, will 865 the Minister kindly undertake to consult the interests concerned, in a way that was not done in the case of the unfortunate Milk Bill, before the drafting stages are reached in connection with this Measure?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir, all interests have been consulted with regard to the poultry industry Bill, and were consulted in the case of the other Bill.
Mr. AlexanderMay I ask on that whether the Milk Industry Bill is now dead or in a state of suspended animation?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe position remains exactly as was stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on Thursday last.
§ Mr. W. RobertsMay we have an assurance that the postponement of the Milk Bill will make no difference to the financial arrangements for promoting quality milk schemes which are already in existence?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe whole question will have to be reconsidered, and if the hon. Member wants information on that point perhaps he will put down a question at some later date.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAs the Milk Marketing Board have been invited to increase premiums for high grade milk from 1st November can the right hon. Gentleman give any guarantee that future legislation will recompense the Milk Marketing Board?