HC Deb 28 October 1954 vol 531 c2132
47. Mr. P. Wells

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now favourably consider an egg and poultry marketing scheme, in view of the detrimental effect prevailing uncertainty as to future policy is having on the industry.

48. Mr. Remnant

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made towards a marketing scheme for eggs and poultry; and whether he will make a statement.

50. Mr. G. Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement concerning the marketing of eggs.

Mr. Nugent

Discussions with the N.F.U.s on the future arrangements for egg marketing, including the question of a producers' marketing board, have been proceeding and the unions' comments on proposals put to them and certain counter-proposals by the unions were received at the beginning of this month. Ministers have now considered this communication and the discussions with the N.F.U.s will be resumed shortly.

Mr. Wells

Will the Minister take care during these discussions to see that the consumer interest is not overlooked?

Mr. Nugent

Certainly. We shall see that there is a proper balance between consumer and producer interests.

Mr. Remnant

Can my hon. Friend assure us that there is no withdrawal from the position of the Government being in favour of producer-marketing schemes?

Mr. Nugent

That is still the Government policy in appropriate cases.