71. Mr. DOYLEasked the Food Controller whether he is aware of the fact that, since the controlled price of milk has been advanced to 11d. and 1s. per quart, in many cases against the wishes of farmers and dealers, the consumption of milk has been reduced by at least one half amongst the working classes and that it is the chil- 32 dren of tender age who are the chief sufferers; and if he can see his way, in view of the serious effect on infant mortality, to revise the scale with a view to a reduction in price?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe Food Controller is aware that the consumption of milk has been reduced, but the reduction does not approach the extent suggested by the hon. Member. The decrease in consumption reported during the month of October varied from 5 per cent, to 30 per cent., according to the district. As regards the last part of the question, the prices fixed by the Ministry are, as the hon. Member will be aware, maximum and not fixed prices. They were decided upon after the most careful investigation of the cost of production and distribution, and the Food Controller does not, in all the circumstances and on the information before him, consider that he would be justified in modifying them.
Lieut.-Colonel THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that from time to time we have asked whether the Food Minister would issue a statement showing the reason why the price of milk is so high at the present time?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe whole of the figures and facts with regard to the cost of the production of milk upon which the present price was fixed by the Controller are at the present moment before a Committee of the Divisional Food Commissioners of this country for investigation, and their Report is expected very shortly.
§ Sir P. MAGNUSIs it not a fact that in consequence of the difficulties in regard to distribution large quantities of milk are at present being made into cheese?
§ Mr. McCURDYI do not think there is any doubt that the conclusions which will be arrived at by the Committee now sitting for the purpose of investigating in a critical spirit the figures upon which the Food Controller has arrived at his decision will be published at an early date.
Lieut.-Colonel THORNEHas the hon. Gentleman seen the report that some farmers in places where there is a surplus of milk have been giving it to the pigs 33 instead of sending it to the market, and, if so, is there any way of dealing with them?
§ Sir M. DOCKRELLIs it true that at an inquiry held on Friday last in Ireland it was stated that there was plenty of milk there, and that the difficulty was that of collection and distribution, and that the same difficulty existed in England; and, if that is so, is the hon. Gentleman in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, so as to facilitate the transport of milk, in order that it can be used for the children who are dying for the want of it?
§ Mr. McCURDYNo, Sir; I have had no notice of the evidence laid before the Departmental Committee in Ireland, and, so far as I am at present aware, the difficulties with regard to milk at present are not difficulties of distribution.
§ Mr. HURDWould the hon. Gentleman say whether the figures of the cost of production upon which the Ministry based the price will be published?
§ Mr. McCURDYYes, I have explained that there was a large conference of representatives from all parts of the country appointed to challenge the decision of the Food Ministry with regard to the price of milk, and the whole of the figures were laid before them for that purpose.