§ 43. Mrs. Emmetasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what publicity has been given to the consumers' committees set up under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1958, to consider the effect of the operation of marketing schemes on consumers; and what further action he will take to bring the existence of these committees to the attention of consumers.
§ Mr. John HareI am on the whole satisfied with the arrangements for bringing the existence of these committees to the notice of the public. The first series of their post-war Reports was made public last September and attracted a fair amount of attention. Press notices are also issued by the Agricultural Departments from time to time about the committees' work. However, I am, with the agreement of the committees, having a pamphlet issued to organisations, such as the Citizens' Advice Bureaux, which have contacts with the general public. In this way I hope to focus even greater attention on the committees, which form an important part of the statutory safeguards in relation to the operation of marketing schemes. I will send a copy of the pamphlet to my hon. Friend and I will also have copies placed in the Library.
§ Mrs. EmmetI thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer. I am sure that the pamphlet will be most helpful. Has he considered having a stiff card attractively printed with the title and address 22 of the marketing committee on it, which can be permanently posted in places housewives congregate, such as shopping centres and so on? Pamphlets have a habit of finding their way into the dustbin after a very short period.
§ Mr. HareMy hon. Friend has great experience in these matters. I will certainly consider her suggestion to see whether it is practicable.