§ 53. Mr. Malcolm MacPhersonasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among meat traders in Scotland with the machinery and methods of consultation between them and his Deparment; and what steps he proposes in order to regain lost goodwill and bring about more effective cooperation.
Dr. HillScottish meat traders are represented on the Consultative Committee for the Retail Meat Trade which considers with my Department national problems of meat distribution and we are always ready to have discussions with the Scottish Federation when they wish to raise specifically Scottish problems. These arrangements should be adequate for the free interchange of views which is my right hon. and gallant Friend's objective.
§ Mr. MacPhersonDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that Scottish meat traders have not found these arrangements adequate; that there has been considerable criticism of the fact that 1718 journeys to London took place for these national discussions and have been wasted as the Scottish point of view has not been listened to?
Dr. HillI am aware of some criticism, but the hon. Gentleman will realise that not only are Scottish representatives on the main consultative Committee, but it has been made plain that whenever there are specific Scottish questions to be considered my right hon. and gallant Friend will be glad to make arrangements to meet the Scottish representatives, on that Committee, as such.
§ Major Anstruther-GrayDoes my hon. Friend think that this will allay Scottish anxiety on this subject?