§ Mr. Wyn Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will increase Welsh representation on the Wool Marketing Board to two members in view of the fact that there are approximately as many Welsh wool producers, 17,384, as there are Scottish, 17,797, and that there is only one Welsh board member while there are three representing Scotland;
(2) if he is satisfied with the composition of the Wool Marketing Board.
§ Mr. BishopThe composition of the Board is prescribed by the British Wool Marketing Scheme 1950, as amended, which is established under the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958, as amended. Each of the Boards' 10 administrative regions, which are themselves defined by the scheme, is represented by a member elected by registered producers in that region. There are five regions in England, three in Scotland and one each for Wales and Northern Ireland. In addition, two special members are elected by all registered producers, and three members are appointed by the Agriculture Ministers. Procedures for amendment of the scheme are governed by the 1958 Act and the scheme. Any amendment requires the consent of registered producers and it must be promoted by the Board. Ministers are not in a position to alter the present composition of the Board.