§ 41. Mr. Mylesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the United Kingdom marketing schemes for agricultural products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI believe strongly that the high productive efficiency of British agriculture needs to be complemented by an increased understanding and adoption of the best marketing practice if it is to match the competition in home and export markets. In general, I am satisfied with the operation of the United Kingdom marketing schemes, subject to changes currently being made to the hops and milk marketing schemes. However, I consider that there is scope for supplementing the marketing schemes by new arrangements designed to foster better marketing of British food and agricultural produce. We are currently having discussions with the interests concerned and with our marketing advisers about how best this can be achieved.