§ 11. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give an assurance that he will have regard to the views of marketing boards when formulating import policy on the commodities with which they are concerned.
Mr. AmoryI shall always regard marketing boards as a principal source of information on production, prices, and prospects of the commodities with which they are concerned; and I shall always be ready to consider any views or advice they, or other responsible organisations, may wish to offer. But decisions on import policy, which must necessarily be taken in the light of the widest considerations, can only be a matter for the Government.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWhile appreciating what my right hon. Friend has said, may I ask him if, in view of the fact that at the moment boards have to rely very largely on Customs and Excise information regarding imports, and the fact that that information is not available to them until it is almost too late to be of the slightest relevance, he will allow and, indeed, encourage them to set up their own information staff at the ports of origin, which I think would be legitimate under the Act?
Mr. AmoryI think that market intelligence is a proper activity for marketing boards. I will be glad to help them in any way I can.
§ Mr. CollinsIs the Minister aware that it is not merely a case of market intelligence, but a much narrower point of information with regard to imports, and that it is vitally necessary for these boards, particularly marketing boards, to have that information at the proper time, and not too late? Will he look into that point, because at the present time it is important that the Potato Marketing Board should have current and up-to-date information?
Mr. AmoryI will look into that point, because I realise its importance. It is important that boards should have all the information that is available as to imports and prospective imports.