24. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the pressing urgency of making better provision for securing a pure supply of milk for human consumption; and how soon will he be in a position to introduce legislation dealing with this question?
§ Sir A. MONDI fully appreciate the importance of securing purer milk, but it is in my judgment equally important to avoid action tending to decrease the production of milk and add to the price to the consumer. The matter continues to occupy my attention, but I cannot say when it will be possible to introduce legislation.
§ Mr. HURDCan we at least be assured that the Act of 1915, which is on the Statute Book, but it not yet in operation, will not be brought into force until certain amendments have been made in it?
§ Sir A. MONDI am considering now how to alter the Act of 1915.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYWhen bringing in legislation, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the producer—the farmer—gets a fair return?
§ Sir A. MONDI should like him to do that.
§ 33. Mr. FORDasked the Minister of Health if it has been represented to him that the Regulation governing the production and sale of grade A and grade A (certified) milk, which requires receptacles to be labelled with the name of the farm of origin or the name of the farmer, act in restraint of sales of these high-grade milks, because buyers are thereby led to connect the purity of the milk with particular farms instead of with the Government Regulations under which these milks are produced, so that if for any reason the output of milk from any particular farm diminishes buyers refuse similar milk from some other farm when offered to them in lieu; and will he consider the advisability of amending the Regulations, so that the number of the Government licence shall be substituted 445 for the name of the farm or farmer, with a view to assuring the public in an unmistakable manner that their confidence may be placed impartially on any milk bearing the Government guarantee, and that they are not dependent on any particular farm?
§ Sir A. MONDRepresentations have been made to me on the point, and I will consider it in connection with amending milk legislation.
§ 59. Mr. A. HERBERTasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the prices given to the producer of milk is to be 3d. to 4d. per gallon for the months of May and June; and whether he can give approximate information as to what the retail prices are likely to be to the consumer?
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for the Frome Division of Somerset.