§ Mr. ALPASSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to ensure that, in connection with schemes for the more efficient marketing of homegrown food, proposals are included to prevent waste in times of glut and to make available adequate supplies at reasonable prices for the consuming public?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONThe problem of waste prevention in times of glut is partly one of distribution and partly one of conservation. The standardisation of product, pack and package, which is the main feature of the marketing schemes initiated by my Department, should prove a valuable aid by facilitating widespread distribution. The question of efficient conservation is examined in detail in the various reports on marketing which are being issued by my Department and is also the subject of extensive scientific research. My hon. Friend may, therefore, rest assured that the problem to which he draws attention is not being overlooked.