§ 51. Mr. Hurdasked the Prime Minister whether the suggestions made by the Minister of Food, speaking at Catford on 12th June, represent the policy of the Government for the future organisation of fruit and vegetable marketing.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend, who was replying to a question regarding the Government's intention in the field of fruit and vegetable marketing, referred to the proposals contained in the election manifesto of the Labour Party at the recent General Election, which proposals, of course, still stand as a general declaration of our intentions.
§ Mr. HurdIs the House to take it that no particular significance attaches to the Minister's remarks, and that there is nothing to hinder producers promoting their marketing schemes under the Agricultural Marketing Act.
§ The Prime MinisterThe statement stands quite clearly where it stands. I do not think there is anything to add to it. I do not know what is the point of the hon. Member's supplementary.
§ Mr. HurdProducers of tomatoes and cucumbers have promoted a marketing scheme under the Act. What I am seeking information about is, whether they are to be encouraged to go ahead and put that into effect.
§ The Prime MinisterThat depends on the scheme.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIs the Prime Minister aware that considerable confusion exists in the public mind about the relationships between statements of Labour Party policy and statements of Government policy? Will he take steps to clarify the position?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think there is any real difficulty. I have noticed certain differences on the other side between statements of policy and statements made by prominent members of the party.
§ Mr. NicholsonWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House at any rate that he has read the statement of Labour Party policy?