§ 18. Sir J. SPEARasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state the maximum price at which the producer can sell his milk during May and after for the summer months; will he state the maximum price a wholesale and retail dealer in such milk can charge respectively; and is he aware that much discontent is felt by producers at the high margin of profits allowed to dealers as against producers?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Milk (Summer Prices) Order, 1918, in which are set out the maximum prices of milk for producers, wholesalers, and retailers respectively. The Order further provides that if in any area the cost of production can be shown to justify such a step the maximum price chargeable by the producer for milk can be increased by Order of the Food Controller. The prices chargeable by wholesale and retail milk dealers are maximum rates subject to variation by local food control committees. I am not aware that much discontent has been expressed by producers at the rates fixed by the Committees in various districts.
§ Sir J. SPEARIs the hon. Gentleman aware that some producers resident near 1388 big populous districts deliver the milk direct to the retailer, and that no wholesaler comes in; and seeing that the expenses of the production of milk are greater owing to the proximity to the big centres, should not the producer share at least part of what usually goes to the wholesaler?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am aware of the circumstances. They give rise to argument, and I shall be glad to discuss the matter with the hon. Gentleman.