§ Lieut.-Colonel WEIGALL(by Private Notice) asked the Food Controller if he can state whether the Government have come to a decision as regards the future control of the milk supply?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. McCurdy)The Government have decided not to institute any permanent measure of milk control involving the taking over of the wholesale milk trade. They have, however, decided that the powers at present exercised by the Ministry of Food should be continued, the chief of which 969 are powers to fix maximum prices in case of need, to regulate distribution in times of short supply; to licence all dealers in milk; and to grade milk. In addition local authorities will be empowered to undertake the supply of milk within their areas. An Interdepartmental Committee, consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Food, the Local Government Board, the Board of Agriculture, and the Scottish Office, has been appointed to agree upon such legal and administrative measures as maybe necessary to make effective the powers referred to above.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WEIGALLAre there Regulations to be issued under the Milk and Dairies Act, 1915, which has not yet been put into operation, or is new legislation necessary?
§ Mr. McCURDYA Committee has been appointed, and among the things which they will consider is the question of what new legislation will be necessary.
§ Captain Sir B. STANIERWill the Milk Act be now brought into force?