HC Deb 18 February 1954 vol 523 cc2143-6
35. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now give further details of the Government's proposals for the marketing of agricultural produce outlined in the White Paper Command No. 8989.

36. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress he has made in examining the scheme submitted to him by the National Farmers' Union for the marketing of fat stock by grade and deadweight; and if he will make a statement.

49. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he is handing the Milk Marketing Boards back to the producers.

52. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Agriculture how soon it is proposed to make effective the restoration of powers to the Milk Marketing Board.

Sir T. Dugdale

On milk, discussions have been proceeding with all the interested parties and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food hopes next week to make an announcement about the restoration of certain powers to the Milk Marketing Boards as from 1st April.

Details of the arrangements for deficiency payments for cereals from the 1954 harvest have been announced. The Ministry of Food will no longer be a support buyer but will continue to operate the drying and storage facilities of re- commissioned mills during 1954. The precise method of operation is now under consideration.

On potatoes, the guarantee for the 1955 harvest will be provided by a support price system which could be operated through a Potato Marketing Board if one is established. Agreement on this has been reached with the National Farmers' Unions subject to the level of the support price to be determined for the 1955 harvest in the light of the Annual Review.

Discussions on long-term marketing and guarantee arrangements for eggs are proceeding.

On meat, the statement issued by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food yesterday showed that good progress has been made in preparing the arrangements that will operate on decontrol next summer. Details of the price guarantees will be announced after the Annual Review. I understand that the National Farmers' Unions will be submitting a fat stock marketing scheme as envisaged in the recent White Paper in the near future.

Mr. Hurd

This is a welcome sign of some progress. May we take it that the Government will help forward these marketing schemes on lines that will give price stability and at the same time ensure greater efficiency and economy for the benefit of consumers as well as producers in the marketing of home produce?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, most certainly, and the basis of examination of marketing schemes submitted to me will be on the lines indicated by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Jay

Do these arrangements imply a total of food and agriculture subsidies next year similar to those of this year, which were so much in excess of the Chancellor's estimates?

Sir T. Dugdale

These Questions are entirely to do with marketing arrangements.

Mr. S. N. Evans

When the Milk Marketing Board's powers are restored, what will be the Minister's attitude to the proposed advertising campaign designed to increase the sale of liquid milk? Is it not a fact that every additional gallon sold will cost the taxpayer 5d. by way of subsidy? If this is so, would not the money be better spent on educating farmers to the need for high yields, lower costs and reduced selling prices?

Sir T. Dugdale

I cannot accept the implications of the hon. Member's question, and I think that he had better wait until full details are available.

Mr. Godber

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he is really doing all he can to help forward the formulation of a voluntary Marketing Board, as was envisaged by the White Paper of last autumn and the subsequent debate?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Champion

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the National Dairymen's Association on the Marketing Board proposals and, if so, what was the result?

Sir T. Dugdale

My right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food has dealt with that side of the negotiations.

Mr. Speaker

Major Anstruther-Gray.

Mr. Crouch

On a point of order. I had Question No. 49 down for reply from the Minister, and he has answered it. I

REFERENCES TO THE AGRICULTURAL LANDS COMMISSION UNDER SECTIONS 84, 86 AND 87 OF THE AGRICULTURE ACT, 1947
Reference Area Date of Reference Number of owners Number of occupiers
Section 84
Romney Marsh, Kent and East Sussex 20th February, 1948 … 283 355
Malltraeth Marsh, Anglesey … 11th May, 1948 … 72 93
Borth Bog, Cardiganshire … 11th May, 1948 … 29 31
Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk … 23rd March, 1949 … 87 72
Over and Bare Fen, Cambridge … 22nd September, 1949 … 70 40
Swaffham Prior and Burwell Fen, Cambridge. 5th December, 1949 … 112 116
Herne Bay and Whitstable, Kent … 29th September, 1950 (note below) … — —
Caldicot and Wentlloog Levels, Monmouthshire. 23rd October, 1950 … 489 437
Section 86 Nil.
Section 87
Yetminster, Dorsetshire … 22nd June, 1949 … 47 35

wanted to put a supplementary question to him with regard to the Milk Marketing Board. May I have your permission, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker

I did not realise that.

Mr. Crouch

Will my right hon. Friend tell members of the Milk Marketing Board that when the Board is restored this summer they will be able to sell milk to very much better advantage than it has been sold over the years by the Ministry of Food? In other words, they will be selling manufacturing milk in the best possible markets.

Sir T. Dugdale

I hope and believe that that will be the case.