HC Deb 18 April 1934 vol 288 cc964-5
41. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many protests he has received from Greenock against the decision of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board to charge winter prices for summer supplies; has he any estimate of the increased cost to Greenock because of the higher prices for milk; and what action he intends to take to revise the milk board prices so that Greenock consumers will obtain supplies during the summer at lower prices?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)

As regards the first part of the question, the number of protests received from Greenock is 14. I have no information with respect to the second part of the question. As regards the last part, these protests and all other similar protests on the subject have been referred to the Scottish Consumers' Committee in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931. On receipt of the report of that committee, I shall consider what further action is necessary.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman have regard to the facts in the information that he does possess regarding the increase in the price of milk, and will he use his influence to see that the same price will prevail for the milk of the poor, so that it does not affect the women and children more than anybody else?

Sir G. COLLINS

As my hon. Friend knows, my hands are tied in this matter. I must conform to the procedure, which is clearly laid down in the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931, and to that Act I must pay strict attention.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is going to affect the hospitals and that milk is practically the main diet for invalids and children?

Sir G. COLLINS

All these matters will be taken into consideration by me when the report of the committee of investigation reaches me. Until then, I can take no steps at all.

Mr. THORNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask for power from the Government to cut the knot that ties his hands in connection with this question?

Sir G. COLLINS

No. The procedure laid down in the Act safeguards the interests of the consumers through the Consumers' Committee, to whom these protests must first go, and then they pass to the committee of investigation, who investigate all the matters, and from them they go to the Minister in charge, who then must take a decision in the matter.