§ 10. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Agriculture to make a statement in regard to the proposed apples and pears marketing board and the future policy of Her Majesty's Government in regard to that scheme and other similar schemes contemplated under the statutes.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe apple and pear scheme ceased to have effect on 22nd April since the vote in favour of continuance was insufficient in terms of acreage. No question of future policy, therefore, arises in regard to that scheme. In regard to any other schemes promoted under the Agricultural Marketing Acts, the Government's policy will continue to be as stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd) on 13th November, 1952.
§ Mr. NabarroWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his re-affirmation of this valuable policy of marketing schemes, may I ask whether there is any inhibition on the re-introduction of an apples and pears marketing scheme on a slightly revised basis that might commend itself to the industry at some future date?
§ Sir T. DugdaleIt is open to any person who is substantially representative of producers to promote an alternative scheme, which I should, of course, carefully consider. The fact that this scheme was rejected by a small margin does not affect any schemes which have been, or may be, promoted for other commodities, which would each be considered on their merits.
§ Mrs. BraddockCan the Minister tell us whether this is another matter upon which the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) has either some personal or financial interest?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat sort of statement should not be made. In general, I ask the House not to carry over irritation from one Question to another.
§ Mr. de FreitasDo not the figures on the apples scheme show that it was chiefly the large growers who voted against it? Are the Government contemplating any legislation to give more consideration in future to the views of the smaller growers and small farmers?
§ Sir T. DugdaleIt would be going too far to say that the Government were contemplating legislation. I think the poll indicates that on average the opponents of the scheme were substantially the larger producers. Perhaps I may draw the attention of the hon. Member to the remarks made in the debate on Monday night by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary.
§ 12. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now state what improvements he intends to make in the proceedings under the Agricultural Marketing Acts.
§ Sir T. DugdaleNo, Sir. I have not yet completed my examination of this question. I will make a statement as soon as possible.
§ Mr. WilleyIn view of the urgent need to improve marketing will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear on behalf of the Government that if producers are not prepared to organise themselves the Government are prepared to take other action?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThat is another question altogether.