§ 16. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the draft scheme for egg marketing submitted by the Poultry Association of Great Britain; and what action he is taking thereon.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI have considered this scheme, which in some respects goes far beyond the scope of the Agricultural Marketing Acts. Before taking any action on a proposed marketing scheme I am required by the Acts to be satisfied that the promoters substantially represent producers, and I am not so far satisfied that the Poultry Association of Great Britain fulfils this condition.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWill the Minister give an assurance that the views of the Poultry Association will not be ignored, even though under the terms of the White Paper on Decontrol of Food only the National Farmers' Union has been invited to submit views on egg marketing? Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the scheme submitted by the Poultry Association when he is considering permanent arrangements for egg marketing?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe views of the Association will certainly be examined, along with all other views put before us.