§ 26. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many farmers and consumers will be affected by the proposed Scottish milk-marketing scheme; when it is intended that the scheme should come into operation; and if any action will be taken to remedy defects in the scheme already disclosed?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)The scheme applies to an area covering the whole of Scotland south of the Grampians. It is estimated that within that area there are from 15,000 to 20,000 producers of milk and that the total population of the area is slightly over 4,000,000. Following on approval of the draft of the scheme by affirmative resolution of both Houses of Parliament I made an Order bringing the scheme into force on 26th May. The regulatory provisions of the scheme are, however, suspended in accordance with the statutory provisions until a poll of the producers has been taken. It is anticipated that if the scheme is approved at the poll, it may be in full operation by 1st November. I am not aware of any defects having been disclosed in the scheme, but the Act provides machinery for the amendment of schemes if amendment is found to be necessary.