§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that some voting papers in connection with the revocation poll recently held by the Tomato and Cucumber Marketing Board were collected by the National Farmers' Union, who were the original promoters of the scheme and opposed to revocation, from registered producers instead of the voting papers being posted direct to the Board's returning officer by the registered producers themselves, thus destroying the secrecy of the poll and opening up the possibility of interference with voting papers; and if he will take steps to ensure that future polls held by this marketing board shall be conducted fairly and in secret.
§ Mr. John HareI know that this is alleged, but as I told my hon. Friend on 5th November, I have no evidence that the poll was not conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme. For producers to entrust their voting papers to the National Farmers' Unions does not appear to contravene it, though this would be for the courts to decide. I have no doubt that on the occasion of any future poll the Board will bear in mind any points that have given rise to criticism.