§ 12. Mr. ANDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in the Manchester district the price of milk, which was 3½d. per quart in the spring, has been raised to 5d.; that in some districts the poorest of the people buying in small quantities are paying at the rate of 6d. per quart; and, in view of 1977 the fact that the rate of infantile mortality will rise with the rising price of milk, whether he will take steps to fix maximum prices for milk as in the case of sugar?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe figures cited in the question convey the impression of a greater rise in price than has actually occurred. I am informed that the price most usually charged for milk in Manchester was 4d. per quart last spring and is now 5d. per quart. While I recognise the evils resulting from a high price of milk, I cannot ignore those which would follow further reduction in supplies. The restraint on price suggested by the hon. Member would, I fear, involve danger of a decrease in milk produced for sale.