§ 81. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the leaflets issued on behalf of the Egg Marketing Board in connection with the proposed ballot state that the Government scheme for guaranteed markets will shortly end and that the scheme on which they will be invited to vote is the only alternative; and what action he took to make it clear that if the producers do not accept the present scheme, it does not necessarily follow that another proposal, also guaranteeing markets at stable prices, is not possible.
§ Mr. GodberThe N.F.U.s have been informed that a guarantee through a deficiency payments scheme is practicable; and this alternative is mentioned in leaflets issued by the Egg Marketing Board.
§ 82. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that in the statement issued by the Egg Marketing Board it is stated that producers with under 51 head of poultry must register if they wish in the future to sell any eggs at the packing stations; 79W if he is satisfied that this is in accordance with the assurances given by his Department when the scheme was agreed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GodberMy right hon. Friend is aware of the statement issued by the Egg Marketing Board about the registration of producers with less than 51 head of poultry. The conditions under which the guarantee is to be made available to these small producers have been the subject of discussion with the Board and it has now been agreed in principle that they will be included in a separate section of the register if they wish to send eggs to packing stations and obtain the guarantee.
Arrangements will however be made for their exemption from the main marketing provisions of the Scheme, excepting any levy that may be payable on eggs sent to packing stations.