73. Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Agriculture what are the average wholesale and retail prices paid for milk per quart in England and Wales; and what are the average prices, wholesale and retail, per quart in London and in Newcastle-upon-Tyne?
Sir A. BOSCAWENConditions naturally vary in different parts of the country, and at the present time prices are unsettled, but wholesale prices of milk delivered to stations at several of the large towns, including London, are about 2d. to 2½d. per quart, while the retail price is in most cases 5d. per quart. I have no information in regard to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
§ Mr. LYLE-SAMUELIn view of the serious position in which farmers are to-day with regard to milk, will the right hon. Gentleman allow hon. Members interested in agriculture to attend the deputation which he has been good enough to say he will see to-morrow?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThere is another question later on that point.
§ Mr. HURD(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether a serious milk shortage in London and other large centres is threatened by the fact that the prices offered to the farmers by the distributors are below the costs of production; and whether, at the conference which he has summoned for tomorrow, he will invite a full and frank discussion of the costs, both of producer and distributor, and issue a report of the essential facts for the information of the public?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI am informed that the actual supply of milk available for retail sale is about equal to that available last month, but, owing to the increased demand consequent on the reduction of price, the supplies are considerably below the demand. This is no doubt due to the restriction of supplies by producers owing to their dissatisfaction with the prices offered to them. It is my intention at the conference between representatives of the producers and of the distributors which I have summoned for to-morrow to invite a full and frank discussion of all the factors in the situation. It is not proposed to publish any report of the discussion, but an agreed statement of any results arrived at will be issued as soon as possible.
§ Mr. HURDDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise how deeply the public—the consumers—are concerned in this matter, and is it not desirable that the full facts as to costs should be published?
Sir A. BOSCAWENYes Sir; the full facts will be published with the results arrived at. But I think the best way to come to an arrangement as regards this most difficult and complicated subject is by a frank and open talk on both sides, and I do not think that that is likely to take place if the whole of the conversation were to be fully reported.
§ Mr. LYLE-SAMUELMay I ask if the question I put a few moments ago: Whether he will allow Members of Parliament who are very seriously concerned about this milk question, to attend the conference?
Sir A. BOSCAWENNo, I could not possibly do that. I have invited six representatives of the distributors and six of the producers to come and meet me 41 and discuss the matter. I think we had better proceed without other people being present.
§ Mr. HURDThe suggestion is not that a full report should be made, but that the essential facts should be brought to public notice?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI apologise to my hon. Friend. I thought I had made it clear that the essential facts and tiny results arrived at will be published.
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the increased cost of production is partly due to summer time?