§ 52. Mr. Quintin Hoggasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered the resolution of the Oxford City Council, of which a copy has been sent to him, protesting against the Oxford Milk Zoning Scheme as having had, and continuing to have, a deleterious effect upon the delivery of clean milk to the citizens of Oxford and condemning the failure of his Department to consult local authorities; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. MabaneA reply has been sent to the Oxford City Council, and I have sent a copy to the hon. Member. While my Noble Friend is prepared to consider any suggestions for improving the scheme, he is satisfied that in general it is working satisfactorily.
§ Mr. HoggIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that the complaint was not of the imposition of a scheme for the purpose or saving rubber and petrol but of the placing of the public in the hands of the trade without consulting their proper representatives?
§ Mr. MabaneThe milk rationalisation schemes are prepared by the war-time associations which comprise members of the trade. In the preparation of the schemes local authorities have no locus standi.