§ 42. Mr. Joplingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will now take to aid the orderly marketing of potatoes in view of the failure of the Potato Marketing Board to obtain agreement from producers for higher contributions.
§ Mr. HoyThe Potato Marketing Board has announced that it proposes to discuss with the Government and the National Farmers' Unions the implications of its failure to secure increased contributions from producers of potatoes. My right hon. Friend is expecting an approach by the Board.
§ Mr. JoplingDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that the recent poll among producers was a most disappointing and retrograde step and represented a bad attitude by the producers? Will he give every sympathy and support for any plans that the Potato Marketing Board has to strengthen its powers?
§ Mr. HoyI am sure that the result was greatly disappointing to the Board. Obviously it now wants to discuss the consequences of the poll with the Government and the N.F.U. We shall be only too pleased to take part in the discussions.