HC Deb 17 July 1939 vol 350 cc15-6
26. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider giving some assistance to the Potato Marketing Board in their propaganda campaign for the increased consumption of potatoes throughout this country?

The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)

The Potato Marketing Board have for some years been carrying on a very effective advertising campaign for potatoes. I am not aware that they require any outside assistance, and in any case I have no funds at my disposal from which I could give financial aid.

Mr. De la Bère

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend tell me why in the case of potato producers they should have to pay the cost of propaganda for the Potato Marketing Board in sending attractive young women to the seaside for advertising purposes? Is the object of this campaign to create plumper and brighter women? If so, why does not the National Fitness Council take a hand?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

It is the duty of the producers of potatoes to advertise their own products.

32. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to state what action he proposes to take with regard to the proposed Amendments to the Potato Marketing Scheme which were recently put forward by the Potato Marketing Board, and subsequently modified by him; whether he can give an assurance that with these modifications he has been able to meet the objections of the merchants to the original amendments; and when it is proposed to lay the modified amendments before Parliament for approval?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

As required by the Agricultural Marketing Acts, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have recently laid before Parliament a draft of those proposed amendments to the Potato Marketing Scheme to which objections were raised, as subsequently modified by us in the light of the objections and of the report of the person who held the public inquiry into them. I hope that it will be possible to find time shortly to submit to the House the motion for approval of the draft.

Mr. T. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the report on these amendments will be available to hon. Members before the agreement is brought in?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I will look into that.

Mr. John Morgan

Will these amendments involve further restrictions?