HC Deb 27 September 1939 vol 351 cc1327-8
34. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that the Horticultural Produce (Sales on Commission) Act, 1926, has served the purpose intended; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of taking power to appoint accountants who can investigate the books and records of salesmen on behalf of fruit and vegetable producers?

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

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Before the outbreak of war preliminary consideration was being givento the desirability of further steps to regulate commission sales in the horticultural trade, but in present circumstances I can hold out no hope that legislation will be introduced to deal with this matter.

Mr. Williams

Are we to take it from the reply of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman that before any further annual returns of crops of soft fruit are forthcoming the Government will take some steps, in view of the failure of the 1926 Act?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

That is another question.