HC Deb 08 May 1958 vol 587 cc1388-9
6. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research is being conducted in this country, under his authority or with his approval, into the problem of marketing of agricultural produce; and, in view of the potential economies and consequent benefits both to producer and consumer through more efficient marketing, if he is satisfied with the volume of such research.

Mr. Godber

My Department is continuously engaged in the study of marketing problems, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that as much is being done in this field as is consistent with the financial resources available. Whenever the need arises, special committees of outside persons with wide experience and particular qualifications are appointed to examine specific problems, such as horticulture and pig marketing, to take the most recent examples. Where Marketing Boards have been set up, it is, of course, their responsibility on behalf of the producers whom they represent to study the best way of marketing their produce.

Mr. Beswick

Will the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that farmers really have done splendidly on the production and productivity side, but there is undoubtedly great scope now on the marketing side? In view of the fact that we are spending £4.6 million still on the production side, does not he think that we ought to spare a little more for marketing? In that connection, has he considered the Agricultural Central Co-operative Association as a suitable organisation though which the research might be done?

Mr. Godber

That is a possibility I should like to look at. We do consider various ways in which this could be done, but I do not think that it is a matter mainly for the Government to be taking part in advertising and publicising, which is what I think the hon. Gentleman has in mind. I think that we must leave it to the marketing boards and other growers' associations.

Mr. de Freitas

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that those who use the agricultural producers' co-operatives are very much impressed with the value they receive from them? What does the Minister propose to do to encourage these co-operatives in marketing?

Mr. Godber

As regards these co-operatives generally, we do encourage them; we give a certain grant to the Central Co-operative. Certainly, we are willing to do anything we can usefully do in relation to encouraging further extension where it is suitable. Of coure, it is not suitable for all commodities.