HC Deb 06 February 1961 vol 634 cc15-6
20 and 21. Mr. Spriggs

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will so amend the Milk Marketing Scheme as to ensure that his prior approval is sought on every occasion on which the Milk Marketing Board decides to proceed with the sale of a farm;

(2) if he is aware of the need to protect the interest of creditors and the general public which arises from the present arrangements by which the Milk Marketing Board sells farms privately; and whether he will amend the Milk Marketing Scheme so as to secure such protection.

Mr. Vane

Under the Milk Marketing Scheme, the Board has the same rights in regard to the sale of farms as any ordinary vendor. I see no need for special protec tion of other interests in the few cases when the Board may make such a sale. Only the Board could initiate an amendment of its Scheme, except in special circumstances which do not arise here.

Mr. Spriggs

Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that where a farm estate is to be sold to clear debts it would be better to sell it in such a way that the public would know that the sale had been above board? Is he quite satisfied that the system used to sell this farm privately was the best means of proceeding, in view of the fact that the tenant, who is now bankrupt, is £5,000 short of finding the capital required to clear his debts?

Mr. Vane

I do not agree with the hon. Member's suggestion that a sale other than by auction is not above board. I think that I answered the hon. Member's point in my original Answer.

Mr. Spriggs

On a point of order. In view of that most unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.