85. Lieut.-Colonel BELLasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the very serious state of affairs that has arisen in the milk-producing districts owing to the great reduction in the contracts of the dairy companies for the coming summer; and whether his Department has any policy to meet the critical situation that will arise?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI am informed that in making contracts for the summer wholesale milk dealers are proceeding much more cautiously than usual. The Ministry has for some time past encouraged local education authorities to provide technical instruction and advice for the purpose of enabling farmers to adopt other means, besides immediate sale, for disposing of their milk. It is, however, obviously not within the Ministry's power to prevent large fluctuations in demand and prices, or seriously to modify their economic effects.
§ Mr. ACLANDAs a way of dealing with this matter is it not for the producers themselves to form their own companies on co-operative principles?
Sir A. BOSCAWENYes, and, as my right hon. Friend knows, we have always encouraged that method of procedure.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people of this country want their milk cheap and not dear?
Lieut.-Colonel BELLIn view of the state of the industry, can the right hon. Gentleman give us any assurance as to whether the Treasury will assent to the relief which he promised during the agriculture Debate?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI am not aware that I made any promise in the agriculture Debate. In any case that does not arise on this question.