§ 4. Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further study he is making of the advantages to both the grower and the consumer of horticultural produce of the system of co-operative clock auctions 396 which has been used in the Netherlands for eighty years and which is now being applied and developed in France and Germany.
§ Mr. SoamesIt is for producers and traders handling horticultural produce to take the initiative in working out the most satisfactory method of conducting sales. Much interest is being shown in the Dutch auction system by many sections of the horticultural industry, and I understand that an announcement about the setting up of an experimental auction is to be made later today. My Department will be glad to give any advice and help it can.
§ Mr. de FreitasDoes the Minister realise that the costs of the Dutch auction system—the clock auction system—are about 2 per cent. compared with 10 per cent. for auctions in most parts of this country? In view of the enormous advantages to both consumer and producer, will the Minister use some of the money which Parliament has voted to encourage the use by co-operatives of the Dutch system?
§ Mr. SoamesThe advantages cost-wise of this system were undoubtedly one of the features which led the organisation concerned to reach the conclusion which I announced in my Answer. The only funds we have available to us by Statute at present are those which can be contributed to the Horticulture Marketing Council and beyond that at present I could not go; but I take the hon. Gentleman's point.