HC Deb 24 November 1949 vol 470 c525
50. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will, in future, ensure that the person appointed by him to hear the objections of an owner or occupier threatened with a supervision order shall not be the agricultural executive committee which proposes to make the order.

Mr. T. Williams

No, Sir. The opportunity to make representations is given so that the county agricultural executive committee may hear, and take into account, the views of the person concerned before reaching a final decision.

Mr. Collins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it really means the agricultural executive committee is both prosecutor and judge? Although these committees undoubtedly try to act in as just a manner as possible, does it not often leave the impression that justice is not done? Will he look into the matter again to see whether some other administrative arrangements can be made in cases of this kind?

Mr. Williams

No, Sir, because the words of the Act are very definite. As my hon. Friend must be aware, the representations are not appeals against a supervision order which has been made, but the representations are made to the agricultural executive committee, perhaps on the recommendation of its district committee for a supervision order, to determine whether or not that order ought to be applied. It is a perfectly fair scheme which farmers generally accept and appreciate.