§ Mr. WATERSONasked the Parlimentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agri- 1264W culture whether the Development Commissioners are aware that the money voted for promoting co-operation among agriculturists is being used by the Agricultural Organisation Society to persuade the Farmers' Co-operative Dairy Association to join up with the combine known as the United Dairies, Limited; if he is aware that a meeting was held on 9th April last and a further meeting is to be held to promote this union; whether Government money is to be used for encouraging combines; and what he is prepared to do in the matter?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI understand that the Agricultural Organisation Society, in conjunction with the co-operative dairy societies and other associations of milk producers, have been considering various plans for the closer co-ordination of the milk industry, and it may well be that in this connection the position of other organisations, such as that mentioned by the hon. Member, is being considered. I see no reason why the society should be precluded from discussing with its affiliated societies any scheme of organisation which may appear to be calculated to promote their interests, and I do not propose to intervene.