§ Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to investigate the unremunerative condition of the tomato industry with a view to suggesting or creating an organisation for improved marketing?
§ Mr. ELLIOTMy hon. Friend will be aware that a Fruit Marketing Scheme, which included tomatoes, was prepared by the National Farmers' Union but was subsequently withdrawn after consideration by the producers. I understand, however, that renewed consideration is being given to the question of a separate scheme for glasshouse fruit. The Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931, empowers the Minister to appoint a Reorganisation Commission to prepare a marketing scheme for any agricultural product under that Act, but I have had no indication that it is the desire of growers that I should do so in the case of the tomato industry.