HC Deb 26 May 1921 vol 142 cc318-9
70. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will ascertain the present price per gallon or quart at which the United Dairies Company is able to purchase milk from the producer, together with the price per quart at which they are able to retail same to the consumer; and how do these figures compare with those of this time last year assuming that in each case cost of railway carriage was and is paid by the producer?

Mr. BALDWIN

As the answer is somewhat long, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer:

The average figures are approximately:

Per gallon.
Producer's price: s. d.
May, 1920 1 3
May, 1921 1 2
Per quart.
Retail price: s. d.
May, 1920 0 8
May, 1921 0 8

A comparison of these figures is, however, fallacious, for the following reasons:

  1. 1. As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, the milk trade is this year fixing a single retail price for the whole summer, and the May figures cannot accordingly be taken as a basic standard for purposes of comparison.
  2. 2. Wages have been increased in pursuance of a Trade Board award.
  3. 3. There is a considerably increased loss on that portion of the supply which has to be converted into cheese.