§ 68. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the report from the Scottish Consumers' Committee regarding its investigations into the protests against the decision of the Scottish Milk Board to charge winter prices for summer supplies, and, if so, what action he intends to take to secure a reduction in prices as requested by the consumers; and if he is aware that the co-operative societies estimate the increased prices will cost Scottish consumers £1,300,000 extra in the milk board area?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)Yes, Sir. The report made by the Con- 1881 sumers' Committee has been referred to the Committee of Investigation for Scotland.
§ Mr. LEONARDMay I ask if the report was unanimous, and, if so, was it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to come to a decision himself and so save the taxpayers a large sum of money?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe report has been submitted to the Committee of Investigation, and I do not think it is advisable at this stage to make any statement on the point.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was asked only on Tuesday to put this question down, and told that I should get a full reply?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am under the impression that I have given a definite answer to the hon. Member. He asked me whether I had considered the report and what action I proposed to take. The answer was that I have considered the report and submitted it to the Committee of Investigation.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI want to know what the right hon. Gentleman has submitted to the Committee of Investigation? I have no means of getting at the committee.
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have submitted the report of the Consumers Committee to the Committee of Investigation, and until I have received their report I can make no statement on the subject.
§ 69. Mr. LEONARDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many inspectors are employed by the Scottish Milk Marketing Board to ensure that their minimum butter fat content standard of 3.4 per cent. is complied with; what laboratory equipment is at the board's disposal; and what are the qualifications of those applying the tests?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe administration of the scheme in respect of the matters referred to is entirely the concern of the board and I have no information regarding their staffing and other arrangements.
§ Mr. LEONARDDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider it necessary that a board with such powers should have adequate machinery at its disposal to test the quality of the milk, in view of the fact that there have been more 1882 protests as regards quality during the lifetime of the present Government than in the previous 10 years?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have no control over the working of the board, and, so far as the information which reaches me is concerned, it does not coincide with the last statement of the hon. Member.