HC Deb 06 May 1954 vol 527 cc35-6W
67. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture what consultations he has held with the farmers' representatives about fatstock and meat marketing.

Sir T. Dugdale

There have been numerous discussions with the National Farmers' Unions about the new arrangements for the fatstock guarantees described in the White Paper on the Annual Review and Determination of Guarantees, 1954. The unions are also represented with the other interests concerned on the Joint Advisory Panel appointed by the Ministry of Food to discuss the arrangements for marketing fatstock after decontrol.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the proposed Fatstock Marketing Scheme conflicts with the principles of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices Act, 1948; and if he will define the policy of his Department in this connection.

Sir T. Dugdale

No. The Agricultural Marketing Acts, 1931 to 1949, under which the draft Fatstock Marketing Scheme is put forward contain special safeguards against any abuse of their powers by marketing boards. The Government are satisfied that these safeguards are adequate. The draft Scheme will be fully examined before it is submitted to Parliament, in accordance with the procedure prescribed in the Marketing Acts.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) in which papers, and on what dates, the statutory notices of submission of the Fatstock Marketing Scheme have appeared;

(2) whether he is satisfied that fatstock producers have had adequate notice of the Fatstock Marketing Scheme;

(3) whether he is satisfied that fatstock producers had adequate opportunity to consider the Fatstock Marketing Scheme before it was submitted to him.

Sir T. Dugdale

Notice of the submission of the draft Fatstock Marketing Scheme was published in the three official gazettes in London, Edinburgh and Belfast on 26th March. A Press notice was widely circulated which included information on how copies of the draft Scheme might be obtained. I am satisfied that fatstock producers have had adequate notice of the Scheme. I am also satisfied that the promoters of the Scheme are substantially representative of fatstock producers generally, as is required by the Agricultural Marketing Acts, 1931 to 1949.