§ 15. Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for the establishment of more producer marketing boards.
§ Mr. PeartProposals for marketing schemes under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1958, must come from the producers concerned. The Government stand ready to consider any further schemes submitted under the Act by agricultural producers.
§ Mr. WalkerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the famous speech of the First Secretary before the election suggested the creation of a large number of producer marketing boards?
§ Mr. PeartIt must have been a famous speech, and the hon. Gentleman must have agreed with it very much, though subconsciously. We are doing something about orderly marketing. I have taken action. We are to have the Cereal Marketing Act, and we are hoping to have something in relation to meat, which is very important.
§ Mr. BessellWill the right hon. Gentleman take into account the opinion of the horticultural industry when he is contemplating the establishment of further marketing boards?
§ Mr. PeartI will always bear that in mind. I remember the disaster of the previous Administration over the Horticultural Marketing Council which had no teeth, and the poor thing died.