§ 53. Mr. Linsteadasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, as at the meeting of the Soft Drinks Industry War Time Association, Limited, on 24th June, called to approve a scheme for electing the committee, it will be competent for the Government nominees to outvote the members of the association, he will instruct them to abstain from voting and so enable the members effectively to approve or disapprove the scheme?
§ Mr. MabaneNo, Sir. My noble Friend would not feel justified in giving a general instruction of the kind suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LinsteadCan my hon. Friend explain the purpose of calling a meeting of 717 an association to approve a scheme when, in fact, the Government nominees can force that scheme on to an unwilling industry?
§ Mr. MabaneIt is the desire of my noble Friend that the industry should consider this scheme on its merits. I think my hon. Friend will agree that it would be ridiculous to send representatives to a meeting with instructions to vote this way or that before the discussion has been heard by them.
§ Mr. LinsteadAre we to understand that if the industry expresses disapproval of the scheme the Government nominees will accept that view?
§ Mr. MabaneI think my hon. Friend should understand what I said that, in the light of the discussion, the Government nominees will act with wisdom and justice.
§ Mr. LinsteadOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will endeavour to raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.