HC Deb 24 June 1954 vol 529 c569
13. Mr. J. Harrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture the duties of a private person when appointed county liaison officer to his Department; and what are the qualifications needed for such an appointment.

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (Sir Thomas Dugdale)

My Department has no county liaison officers. The duties of my personal liaison officers are principally to interpret the Government's policy to the county agricultural executive committees and other organisations in their areas, and to advise me of any special problems or difficulties that are troubling committees and farmers. For these appointments I have selected men who are prominent and highly respected in agricultural circles.

Mr. Harrison

Would the Minister agree that if he appoints a trader to one of these positions who usually deals in commodities bought by farmers, this trader will have an undue advantage over his competitors in the district?

Sir T. Dugdale

Oh, no, Sir; certainly not.

Mr. T. Williams

Do we understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the liaison officer referred to is more of a food salesman than a farmer?

Sir T. Dugdale

I am not certain to which liaison officer the right hon. Gentleman refers, but my liaison officers are most distinguished people in their own walk of life, and what I have done is to revive the wartime system which was so successful.

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