§ 24. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration has been given to the need of encouraging agricultural and horticultural co-operative organisations by the extending of financial assistance for their employment of full-time officers who can give advice and guidance, particularly on marketing; and whether he is satisfied that the Development Commission is giving sympathetic attention to the requirements of the smaller growers.
§ Mr. GodberIt is the Government's policy to support agricultural co-operation through grants to the central agricultural co-operative organisations, which provide advice, including advice on marketing, as may be necessary to their member societies. My right hon. Friend has no responsibility for the work and policy of 621 the Development Commission. He is satisfied that the Commission does give sympathetic consideration to the problems of the small grower, but it can only recommend financial assistance to organisations that do not trade for profit.
§ Mr. SorensenIs it not possible for the Ministry of the hon. Gentleman to approach this Commission, as I think it is called, to encourage it to supply the officers mentioned in the Question? I understand that some smallholders and small growers think that if they could only have a full-time officer of the nature I have described it would be of tremendous benefit.
§ Mr. GodberI shall be glad to look into the matter, but it is clearly one in which we have to draw a distinction. We cannot help these societies directly. It is up to this organisation to do it. We are in very close touch and will give any help we can.