HC Deb 27 October 1970 vol 805 cc12-3
10. Mr. Blaker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further proposals he has for improving the marketing of horticultural produce.

Mr. Stodart

Marketing is primarily a matter for those commercially involved. We should only be ready to consider new proposals for Government action if it could be shown that there was no alternative.

Mr. Blaker

Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that improved marketing provides scope for improving the return to growers and that this will be particularly important if we go into the Common Market? Are not the Government studying further methods of encouragement?

Mr. Stodart

Considerable encouragement has been given for some time, with a concentration on improving marketing. We would do well to reflect that less than 10 per cent. of horticultural goods are marketed in a co-operative way and that, therefore, continuity of supplies is very difficult. I would be ready to think along these lines.