HC Deb 13 May 1954 vol 527 c1424
38. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will agree to hold regional inquiries into objections to the proposed Fatstock Marketing Scheme, in view of the large number of livestock producers who are concerned at the penal clauses contained therein.

The Minister of Agriculture (Sir Thomas Dngdale)

The last date for objections to the proposed Fatstock Marketing Scheme was yesterday, 12th May. I am now considering, with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether a public inquiry should be held and at what place or places.

Sir W. Smithers

Can my right hon. Friend say, in relation to this and other cases, what is the good of removing one control and imposing another one equally vicious?

Sir T. Dugdale

I do not think that my hon. Friend has any idea of the procedure over the producer marketing boards. They are producer boards, and at this stage of the procedure my right hon. Friends and I decide whether there is to be a public inquiry or not.