§ 30. Mr. LEONARDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action has been taken by the Scottish Milk Marketing Board to ensure that milk intended for liquid consumption shall be adequately tested for the proper maintenance of a pure milk standard?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe board have prescribed a minimum butter fat content standard of 3.4 per cent. The question of fixing a standard for cleanliness is engaging the attention of the board.
§ Mr. LEONARDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that dissatisfaction has already arisen in regard to the test by the Department's independent laboratory and that one prosecution has already taken place in which it was shown that a farmer in 10 days had supplied 560 gallons and had introduced 96½gallons of water; and will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to deal with this matter?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI understand that there have been some complaints. The matter is engaging the attention of the board.
§ 31. Mr. LEONARDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the Scottish Milk Marketing Board is levying haulage charges upon farmers whose milk is drawn in their own vehicles 100 per cent. more than those farmers are credited with for performing this haulage; and under what authority the board has acted in creating a special fund from this excessive charge and for what purpose has it to be used?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAs regards the first part of the question, I am aware that the haulage position under the Scottish Milk Marketing Scheme is to the effect suggested by the hon. Member. As regards the second part, the authority for the action of the Board is contained in Sections 21, 24 (3) (e) and 61 of the scheme. I am informed that any sum at the credit of the fund is taken into account by the board in determining at the end of each month the average price payable to the producers for the milk supplied by them.