HC Deb 02 August 1957 vol 574 cc276-7W
Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to announce the Government's views on the principal conclusions and recommendations of the Runciman Committee on Horticultural Marketing.

Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is yet able to make a statement on the Report of the Runciman Committee on Horticultural Marketing.

Mr. Amory

The Runciman Committee on Horticultural Marketing reported that in its view there was no need for changes of a fundamental character in the present system of marketing and distribution of vegetables, fruit and flowers. It nevertheless saw the need and the opportunity for improvement. The Government accept this broad conclusion.

The Committee recommended that a Horticultural Marketing Council should be established to promote and coordinate improvements affecting marketing and distribution. This recommendation has received general support in Great Britain and the Government accept it. Differing views are held on the composition, constitution, powers and financing of the Council and I am inviting the interests concerned to meet my Department with a view to seeing how these can be reconciled.

The Committee recommended that the wholesale trade should form an organisation to establish and maintain standards of business practice among salesmen. The Government agree and hope that the trade will take the necessary steps as soon as possible.

The Government also accept the recommendation that certain changes should be made in the Horticultural Produce (Sales on Commission)Act, 1926, for the better protection of producers.

The Committee hold that a national central market is essential to the efficient marketing of horticultural produce but that improvements are needed to reduce traffic congestion and accelerate the flow of produce. The public authorities and the numerous organisations affected are being consulted on this and the other recommendations. I propose to make a further statement as soon as consultations are complete.