HC Deb 21 February 1938 vol 332 cc22-3
44. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Agriculture who is the inspector supervising the grading at the Malton, Seamer Junction, and Scots Gap certification centres, respectively?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The inspector supervising the certifying authorities at Malton and Seamer Junction is Mr. T. H. Myers, and the inspector supervising the area in which Scots Gap is situated is Mr. D. H. Watt.

Mr. Turton

Was the inspector supervising these three centres until a few weeks ago the same man—Mr. D. W. Wright?

Mr. Morrison

I understand that Mr. Wright is the divisional inspector generally responsible for supervising the certification centres in the northern counties of England.

47. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Agriculture on what grounds the appointments of the graders at the Malton certification centre were terminated on 11th January; whether they have been afforded any opportunity to appeal against the decision of the Livestock Commission; and who have been appointed in their stead?

Mr. Morrison

I am informed that appointments of the three members of the certifying authority at the Malton centre were terminated by the Livestock Commission on the ground that, despite repeated requests to observe the requirements of the subsidy regulations, the authority continued to accept animals as eligible for subsidy which were below the prescribed standards. The members were subsequently afforded an interview by the Livestock Commission. A new certifying authority has not yet been appointed, and the certification of cattle at Malton is being temporarily carried on by the certifying authority at Seamer Junction.

Mr. Turton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the dismissal of these men has caused deep resentment throughout the whole of Yorkshire, and will he ask the Livestock Commission either to give an opportunity for an appeal against the dismissal or to hold a public inquiry into the matter?

Mr. Morrison

I am not aware of the feeling to which my hon. Friend refers. The House, I am sure, will agree that it is very important that these regulations should be carried out, and that the centres should be well conducted.

51. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many schemes for the better marketing of livestock have been prepared by the Livestock Commission, and the districts affected?

Mr. Morrison

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to orders under Section 15 of the Livestock Industry Act, 1937, for controlling the holding of livestock markets. No such orders have yet been submitted, but the Livestock Commission are carrying out preliminary investigations in certain areas.