HC Deb 16 March 1925 vol 181 cc1847-8
50. Mr. BARNES

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of his decision to allow the Milk and Dairies Act, 1915, to become operative from 1st September next, he will state if those provisions of the Act which will be administered by order of the Minister will all be enforced from that date; and, if so, whether he will publish drafts of the Orders at an early date and arrange for consultation with the interests concerned before sub miffing the draft Orders to Parliament?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend is unable at present to say on what dare the Orders to be made in pursuance of the Milk and Dairies Act, 1915, will come into operation, but, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, until the new Orders are made the existing Orders will continue in force. It is certainly the intention If my right hon. Friend to consult the interests concerned before any new Orders are laid before Parliament.

Mr. BARNES

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware of the inconvenience that will be caused to firms up and down the country unless he states very early any new obligations that are likely to arise from the coming of this Act into force?

Sir K. WOOD

Yes, Sir; we will bear that in mind; and, as I have said, we will consult the interests concerned before any Order is made.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Is there really much further need for consulting the interests concerned? We have been consulting the interests concerned for nine years, since 1915. [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]