§ 35. Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government proposes to nominate an official of his own, or of any other Department, to a seat on the Board of any of the great companies which deal with the question of the supply of milk?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)I have been asked to reply. The precise steps proper to be taken in order to secure effective control of the wholesale collection, utilisation, and distribution of milk are still under consideration. I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly, but the matter is obviously one of great complication and importance.
§ Sir A. FELLWill you take this idea, into consideration?
§ Mr. CLYNESYes.
§ 81. Sir JOHN SPEARasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the retailer of milk in London who buys direct from the producer is allowed to charge the consumer Is. per gallon for selling such milk, while the maximum price the producer can charge the retailer is 1s. per gallon; and, having regard to the much greater cost of producing milk over that of retailing it, will he take steps to secure a fairer distribution of payment?
§ Mr. CLYNESMy hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the producer may add his railway transport charges to the maximum price. In view of the fact that the ratio between the amount received by the producer and that received by the retailer is rather smaller than that which prevailed before prices were controlled it can hardly be suggested that the present distribution of payment is unfair.
§ Sir J. SPEARDoes not the hon. Gentleman consider that the unequal remuneration to the retailers compared with the producer is calculated to reduce the supply of milk?
§ Mr. CLYNESOne can easily be deceived by these comparisons. If the producers feel aggrieved by the price they are receiving their grievance can be considered.
§ Sir J. SPEARIs the hon. Gentleman aware that milk producing is being given 959 up because of this inequality and therefore it is in the interests of the consumer that the matter should be dealt with at once? May I further ask if it is not the fact that the retailer is prepared to take less remuneration provided the producer is encouraged to continue the supply by having the increase which the retailer is prepared to give up?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is rather too complicated a question. I should like to see it on the Paper.