§ 57. Mr. Price-Whiteasked the Minister of Agriculture when a national board for the marketing of agricultural, horticultural and market gardening produce was 949 established; how many members of such board have been appointed and when; and what are the general and special duties of the board.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am not aware that any such board has been established.
§ Mr. Price-WhiteIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of market gardeners in the North Wales area were entirely confused as to the standard prices at which to market their produce, that they made inquiries and were informed that such a board had been set up, but that only one member had been appointed? Will he make clear, to market gardeners in particular, what prices should be charged?
§ Mr. WilliamsThe hon. Gentleman asked about a central marketing board. I know of no such board having been appointed.
§ Mrs. Leah ManningMight this be the board appointed about nine months ago, under the chairmanship of the hon. Lady the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, about which we have heard nothing since?
§ Mr. WilliamsIt might be possible that the Welsh horticulturalists were thinking of the Fruit and Vegetable (Marketing and Distribution) Organisation set up by the Minister of Food, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture several months ago. That is the only organisation of this kind of which I am aware.
§ Mrs. ManningIn that case, is it possible that we shall have some information about that board, which was set up nine months ago?
§ Mr. WilliamsPerhaps the hon. Lady will put a Question down to the Minister of Food.