32. Brigadier-General BROWNasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will inquire into the incidence of the milk 591 prices; the cost of its production and transport charges paid by the producer; and the delivery and other expenses of the retailer; so that there may be a fair price fixed to the consumer after an impartial inquiry?
§ Major ELLIOTAs my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the problems of the milk industry are already under investigation by a Reorganisation Commission, and I think it would be undesirable at this stage to institute another separate inquiry.
Brigadier-General BROWNIs there any justification for the claim by the retailers of a lower price for the producers of milk, seeing that the retailers are making large profits whereas the producers are not?
§ Major ELLIOTThat is clearly a question which should be addressed to the Food Council.
§ Mr. SMITHERSHas the attention of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman been called to the prosperous report of the United Dairies Company?
Brigadier-General BROWNMay I ask whether the Minister of Agriculture will ask the Food Council to look into this report?
34. Brigadier-General BROWNasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there are many cases in which the retailers are refusing to pay the milk settlement prices to the producer; and whether he proposes to hold an inquiry into the present position?
§ Major ELLIOTI am aware of the difficulties in the way of securing the universal observance of the settlement prices referred to but as I have already indicated to my hon. and gallant Friend, in view of the investigation now proceeding, I feel it would be undesirable to hold a further separate inquiry?
Brigadier-General BROWNMay I ask whether the Milk Reorganisation Commission have any power of recommendation in regard to the price of milk?
§ Major ELLIOTThey are going into the question of the production and distribution of milk and obviously the question of price is, seriously concerned with that inquiry.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that the only possible means of dealing with this matter is to have a national body looking after the whole question of milk?