asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the Agricultural Marketing Bill makes no provision for the establishment of a central dairymen's board and a joint milk council with statutory powers, as recommended in the Report of the Reorganisation Commission for Milk, the Government intend to reject that part of the commission's recommendations?

The recommendations of the Milk Reorganisation Commission for the establishment of a statutory dairymen's board and joint milk council, which raise important questions of principle, have received the Government's careful consideration. While the Government is not prepared to introduce the special legislation which I am advised would be required fully to carry out these recommendations, provision has been made in Clause 11 of the Agricultural Marketing Bill which would enable action to be taken in the direction of consultation, and if necessary arbitration, between the interests concerned.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that perhaps nothing could more fortify the confidence of the public in the milk reorganisation scheme than a body of this kind?

I have said that under Clause 11 these particular requirements will be met.