§ 67. Mr. AYLESasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take, as a result of the exemption of milk from the War Charges (Validity) (No. 2) Bill. to secure that farmers, who were illegally deprived in the south-western counties of 2d. per gallon, shall as far as possible have it made good to them?
§ Mr. BUXTONI would point out that the farmers in the south-western counties were not illegally deprived. The levy which the House of Lords decided to be illegal was a levy on the distributors. I 36 am proposing, however, to approach the distributors to whom the sums in question are legally due, and suggest that this money should be devoted to research work for the benefit of the dairy industry.
§ Major COLFOXSupposing the distributors refuse the request the right hon. Gentleman makes them, will the Government bring forward a short Bill to incorporate the suggestion made by the hon. Member opposite provided it is found that the Bill would be supported by Members of all parties?
§ Mr. BUXTONThat is a hypothetical situation which, I hope, will not arise.