§ 27. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will re-examine the voting procedure 450 of the Milk Marketing Board, now established on the basis on one vote per cow, with a view to bringing about more adequate representation of the small milk producer.
§ Mr. John MackieNo, Sir. It would be for the Milk Marketing Board, with the consent of registered producers, to submit an amendment of the scheme to change the present basis of voting, which, I should point out, is not as described in the Question.
§ Mr. KingIs not democracy traditionally based not on one vote per cow but one vote per man? Is it not manifestly unfair to the man who owns a small number of cows? Cannot the hon. Gentleman bring his influence to bear on the Board?
§ Mr. MackieUnder the present system, a small producer with 12 cows has 3 votes and the large producer with 200 has 21 votes. Under the system suggested by the hon. Gentleman, the small producer would have 12 votes and the large producer would have 200. In the first case, the ratio is 7 to 1 and in the second it would be 17 to 1.
§ Mr. DeedesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are aspects of the election procedure—and I pass no reflection on the Board—which should be looked at afresh by the Minister? Will he ask the right hon. Gentleman to consider them?
§ Mr. MackieI think that my right hon. Friend has probably heard these comments.