§ 30. Mr. de Rothschildasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that Mr. J. A. Thomas, of Wisbech, has been made bankrupt in consequence of the proceedings against him of the Milk Marketing Board and is thereby unable to meet the cost of presenting his case adequately before the the committee of investigation, any pro vision exists by which he may receive assistance in the proceedings analogous to that available to poor persons in courts of law; and, if not, whether he will take steps to amend the regulations relating to committees of investigation to ensure that in this and other similar cases lack of means on the part of the complainant will not prejudice the thoroughness of the investigations or the interests of the complainant?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am not aware of any such provision. As to the second part of the Question, I would point out that the regulations in question may deal only with matters concerning the meetings, quorum and procedure of a committee of investigation.
§ Mr. de RothschildDoes the right, hon. and gallant Gentleman mean that this man is to get no assistance in this matter, in view of the fact that in courts of law legal assistance is given in certain cases and in view of the unfortunate position of those who suffer from the exactions of the Milk Marketing Board?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI realise the difficulties in these cases, but I have given the answer.
§ Mr. de RothschildWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not take any steps to help this unfortunate man?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithIn view of what has gone on, I will give consideration to the point which has been raised.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs it not a primary British obligation to help anybody who is in difficulties and who cannot afford legal assistance?
§ 31. Mr. de Rothschildasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the event of a committee of investigation under the Agricultural Marketing Acts finding that a complaint against the conduct of a Marketing Board is justified, there is any provision whereby the committee or the Minister may order the Board to pay to the complainant compensation for any damage he may have sustained or the costs of presenting his complaint before the committee; and, if not, will he take steps to amend the regulations accordingly.
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am not aware of any such provision, and I have no power to amend the regulations in the manner suggested.
§ Mr. de RothschildWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps in this matter also?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI cannot give a definite undertaking as to what can be done, but I will say that, in view of what has happened in this case, I will consider the whole of this situation.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider putting the hon. and learned Member for Argyll (Mr. Macquisten) on the committee of investigation?