§ Mr. de Rothschildasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the proceedings instituted in the King's Lynn bankruptcy court by the Milk Marketing Board against John Alfred Thomas, diaryman, of Wisbech, in which the latter stated in evidence that for being in default for two days with his weekly payments to the Milk Marketing Board, the board took such action as completely deprived him of his trade and assets; whether he is aware of the severe strictures of the registrar on the conduct of the board, and that his predecessor in office in September last declined to intervene in the matter; whether he will now inquire into the action of the board and its officers in this case, and take such steps as will ensure that Mr. Thomas will be able to reinstate himself in business and earn his livelihood; and whether he will make such representations to the board as will prevent similar action in other cases?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 15th May to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter).