§ 65. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is his intention to issue the Government's policy for horticulture at an early date; and why no mention of this important aspect of policy has yet been made.
Mr. T.WilliamsNo, Sir, my recent announcement of the general principles on which the Government's agricultural policy will be based, applies to horticulture as an integral part of the agricultural industry in its broadest sense.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWill the right hon. Gentleman issue in the near future a statement giving more detail about each aspect of agriculture and horticulture?
Mr. WilliamsI think it has been made clear to the agricultural and the horticultural industry that the omission from the general statement of principles was not intended to imply that the Department was not fully aware of the importance of horticulture; and that suitable steps, not necessarily the same steps, explained in the broad statement made a fortnight ago, will be taken to deal with the work as and when opportunities occur.
§ Mr. EcclesIs it the policy of the right hon. Gentleman's Department to encourage the co-operative marketing of vegetables?