HC Deb 23 April 1953 vol 514 cc1385-6
30. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has reviewed the voting procedure at the initial poll held under the Agricultural Marketing Acts, having regard to recent experience with the apple and pear marketing scheme; and whether he is satisfied that the present procedure will be adequate in the event of major schemes for eggs and fat stock being brought forward.

Sir T. Dugdale

The main lines of procedure are laid down in the Agricultural Marketing Acts and cannot be altered without fresh legislation. I am, however, considering whether any improvements can be made within the framework of existing legislation.

Mr. Hurd

Has my right hon. Friend in mind the desirability of allowing a month between the closing of the register of producers and the actual taking of the vote, so that all producers can be aware of the pros and cons?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir. That is one of the points that I have very much in mind.

Mr. T. Williams

Is the Minister aware of the allegation that large-scale wholesalers of apples and pears have been campaigning heavily against this marketing scheme? If so, does he think that it is in accordance with either the spirit or the wording of the Act?

Sir T. Dugdale

That is an entirely different Question. The one on the Order Paper deals with procedure.

Mr. G. Williams

In view of the fact that the Minister told us he has power under the Act to divulge names of producers, will he use that power more frequently so that those against the scheme can get the names of producers and canvass them if necessary?

Sir T. Dugdale

That is another question.

Major Legge-Bourke

Further to the question asked by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams), would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in my constituency the smaller growers were the most concerned?