§ Mr. Tiffanyasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give an assurance that before restoring the powers of agricultural marketing boards suspended because of wartime conditions, he will consider the desirability of amending the Agricultural Marketing Acts in order to remove dictatorial powers formerly exercised by these boards; and provide wholesalers, retailers and especially consumers with a proper voice in the conduct of the affairs of the industries concerned.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe intention and effect of the Agricultural Marketing Acts has been to promote co-operative organisation of agricultural producers. The Acts contain safeguards to protect the public interest and particularly that of consumers. They have already been amended in the light of experience and I will consider any further suggestions for amendment that may be put to me. No power is conferred by the Acts on producers to control the actions of distributors, and since the powers over producers cannot be exercised except by majority consent I do not consider them to be dictatorial.