§ 91. Mr. Snaddenasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the threatened breakdown in the distribution of milk, particularly tuberculin-tested milk, by reason of the impending shortage of the special cartons used for this purpose; and whether any steps have been, or will be, taken to make available sufficient cartons to maintain the uninterrupted distribution of the increasing production of tuberculin-tested milk.
§ 95. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the manufacturers of milk cartons for the delivery of supplies of tuberculintested milk are experiencing difficulty in obtaining the necessary raw materials for their manufacture; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that there shall be no reduction in the supplies of these milk cartons to the farmers who own dairy herds producing tuberculin-tested milk.
§ Dr. SummerskillI am aware of the present shortage of milk cartons which is due to the stoppage of the paper mills during the fuel crisis. I am in close and constant consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade as to the action to be taken to remedy the position.
§ Mr. SnaddenWill the hon. Lady treat this as being of the greatest urgency because of the use to which these cartons are put for the distribution of the highest possible quantity of milk, and that it is a serious thing for a certifier producer to be without them?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, Sir.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the hon. Lady aware that this matter is very serious, and that I have written several letters on the subject to the President of the Board of Trade? Will she join with me and other Members in getting the President of the Board of Trade to move in this matter?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe recognise the seriousness of the position, but I would remind my hon. Friends that there are other factors concerned. For cartons we need not only paper but wax and, unfortunately, the United States have curtailed its export.
§ Sir G. JeffreysWill the hon. Lady impress upon the President of the Board of Trade the importance of this matter and ask him to look at it from the proper angle—that it is a matter of great importance that these cartons should be provided?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, Sir
§ Mr. MitchisonIs my hon. Friend aware that many of the suppliers have no alternative means of delivering the milk?