HC Deb 05 May 1919 vol 115 cc561-2
56. Major COLFOX

asked the Food Controller whether he will state why the summer price of milk produced in the four south-western counties has been fixed at 2d. a gallon less than for that produced in the rest of the country; and whether, if it is assumed that these counties can produce milk more cheaply than competing counties, he will see fit correspondingly to raise the price of other agricultural produce of these counties which they are unable to produce so cheaply as the rest of the country?

Mr. ROBERTS

The prices to be paid to the producer for milk in the period of 1st May to 30th September, 1918, were fixed on the recommendation of a Travelling Commission appointed by the Ministry of Food, which included practical agriculturists nominated by the Central Agricultural Advisory Council. This Commission considered that, owing to climatic conditions, milk could be produced more cheaply in the south-western counties than in the rest of England and Wales, and unanimously recommended the adoption of a differential rate. I cannot agree that the fact that it is possible to produce milk cheaply in the south-western counties necessarily implies that other branches of agriculture are less remunerative in this than other districts.

Mr. LAMBERT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the consumer is to get the advantage, if the milk is exported from the four south-western counties into other counties, or will it go into the hands of the middlemen?

Mr. ROBERTS

The intention is that the consumer shall get the benefit as far as practicable. We are establishing machinery in order to provide for that purpose.

Mr. LAMBERT

How will milk produced in the four south-western counties be marked supposing it is brought to London?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am advised it is possible, and we are endeavouring to establish machinery in accordance with the recommendations made. The Ministry of Food Vote is to be taken to-morrow, and perhaps this will be one of the questions discussed.

Mr. HURD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that statement is quite flatly contradicted by all the authorities from one at least of the four counties?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am aware any statement one could make could be flatly con tradicted—

Mr. HURD

By all the authorities.

Mr. ROBERTS

The fact is that the Commissioners have unanimously recommended it.

Mr. HURD

Because they have no knowledge of the local conditions.