§ 19 and 21. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) under what authority the proposed Fatstock Marketing Scheme was returned to the promoters;
(2) when he expects to receive a reply from the promoters of the Fatstock Marketing Scheme to his inquiry whether they wish to proceed with the scheme.
§ 26. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if the sponsors of the Fatstock Marketing Scheme have yet informed him whether they propose to proceed at the present time; and what decision he has reached on holding an inquiry into the objections to this scheme which he has received.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe draft Fatstock Marketing Scheme has not been returned to the promoters. As I said in reply to a supplementary question on 17th June, the promoters have been invited to say whether or not, in the light of the objections to it, they wish to proceed with the Scheme. I expect their reply shortly. If they wish to proceed, a public inquiry will need to be held, and it will then be possible to determine when this should be.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the Minister say what the difference is between the recent Government marketing scheme and the present one? Why have any marketing 573 schemes at all or any controls over sales? Is he aware that there are many reports that the Fatstock Marketing Scheme has been abandoned? Can he confirm or deny those reports?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI think that my hon. Friend does not understand the working of the Marketing Acts. Schemes under those Acts are producer schemes, and it is up to the promoters to submit schemes to the Government.