§ 8. Sir H. Harrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will cause to be investigated the complaints that the proposed new contracts between the Egg Marketing Board and producers, under which the producers will he paid monthly instead of weekly, will impose hardship, especially for the smaller producer.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Fred Peart)The frequency of payments to producers is a matter for the Board, which announced on 25th November that it had decided to pay fortnightly instead of monthly as originally proposed.
§ Sir H. HarrisonI thank the Minister for that Answer. Is he aware that this action by the Board, which followed the tabling of this Question, is generally welcomed by egg producers? It seems to be a happy solution of the difficulties since the complaints have now ceased.
§ Sir G. de FreitasWill the Minister also consider that even this fortnightly payment is doing considerable damage to the producer-owned egg co-op?
§ Mr. PeartMy hon. Friend must appreciate that the Board is responsible for the detailed arrangements. There is a special procedure for any form of complaint, but they are responsible.