§ 49. Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the Minister of Agriculture what organisations he proposes to consult each February before fixing the prices of eggs and poultry.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. Tom Williams)The February reviews of the general financial position of agriculture in the United Kingdom will be conducted in consultation with the National Farmers' Unions of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Representatives of organisations concerned with particular commodities will not be invited to participate in these general reviews, but my right hon. Friend will be quite prepared to consider any representations from recognised associations in the poultry industry before conclusions are reached on the prices to be fixed for eggs and poultry.
§ Mr. BartlettCannot the right hon. Gentleman give some reason why specialist poultry organisations will not be consulted?
§ Mr. WilliamsThere are so many poultry organisations in various parts of the country that it would be quite impossible to consult each small section before entering on a revision of prices. I would say to my hon. Friend that any recognised poultry organisation may send representations to the Minister before the review takes place.