§ 42. Mr. RICHARD EVANSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that Cow and Gate, Limited, are refusing in Carmarthenshire to implement the terms of the recent national agreement on milk prices; and whether he will take steps to bring this firm into line with other parties to the settlement?
§ Major ELLIOTThe agreement referred to by the hon. Member was between representatives of the producers, manufacturers and distributors, and I have no power to take the action suggested.
§ Mr. EVANSIn the interests both of the farmers and of the workers of this country, should not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman use the influence of his office in order to bring about a settlement of the dispute?
§ Major ELLIOTAs my hon. Friend knows, the whole question is being inquired into at present by the Milk Commission, and I doubt whether I can take any further steps usefully at this time.
Brigadier-General BROWNIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there are many other firms like the United Dairies and the Co-operative Societies who are doing the same sort of thing; and will he ensure that they shall conform to these terms?