§ Mr. T. HENDERSONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is his intention to place before the House of Commons a Report of the findings of the late Minister of Agriculture, resulting from his visit to Denmark to inquire into the merits of co-operative farming as it exists in that country; and whether he is prepared to facilitate the extension of the application of co-operative methods to the agricultural industry in this country?
§ Sir H. BARNSTONThe late Minister of Agriculture did not write a Report on his visit to Denmark last summer and the answer to the first part is therefore in the negative. With regard to the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend is anxious to facilitate the extension of co-operative methods to British agriculture so far as it is practicable for him to do so, but it is for producers themselves, rather than for the Government, to adopt co-operative methods in their industry. It is by the dissemination of information relating to the experience and progress of agricultural co-operative enterprises here and abroad that the Government can most effectively promote the adoption of sound co-operative methods, and I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the Reports on Agricultural Co-operation which have recently been issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.