HC Deb 17 December 1934 vol 296 cc799-801
11. Mr. HOLDSWORTH

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that under the recent order of the Milk Marketing Board villagers who from time immemorial have purchased milk at the farmhouse door at a reduced price are now compelled to pay the same price as that charged by retailers who bottle and deliver the milk at the consumer's house; and what steps will he take to remove this hardship on one of the poorest sections of the community?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am aware that under the terms of the retail licence issued by the Milk Marketing Board, a registered producer is prohibited from selling milk by retail, whether at the farmhouse or elsewhere, at less than the minimum appropriate retail price prescribed by the board for the district in which the milk is sold. The minimum price may be reduced by the board if they receive a resolution to that effect passed by a majority of the milk retailers in the district concerned. As to the last part of the question, I am inviting the attention of the Consumer's Committee for England to the matter.

Mr. LAMBERT

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether this matter, which is really a grievance in the country districts, will come before the Milk Reorganisation Commission, which I assume is about to report?

Mr. ELLIOT

As I have said, I have invited the attention of the Consumer's Committee for England to this matter, and I hope that we shall have some statement from them before the report of the Re-organisation Commission is likely to be issued, but, if not, there is no doubt that this is one of the matters which we might take into consideration.

Mr. HOLDSWORTH

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to submit to the retailers that they should pass a resolution in order that they might give these poor people an opportunity of buying milk at something near the price which they formerly paid?

Mr. ELLIOT

Oh yes, Sir, and in fact the retail price has been reduced in 225 cases, mostly in the villages, and it is certainly possible for the retailers to reduce the price in those areas without calling for any recommendation.

Mr. HOLDSWORTH

Will the right hon. Gentleman make suggestions to the retailers to do that?

Mr. ELLIOT

It is a little difficult for me to make suggestions direct to the retailers, as the hon. Member will realise, but I am sure that the question and answer will indicate that the attention of the House is closely directed to the matter.

Mr. PALING

Is it not a fact that when employés of farmers concerned in this matter purchase milk, the reduced price charged is recognised as part contribution to their wages?

Mr. ELLIOT

Sales of milk by a farmer to his own employés are exempt from the provisions of the scheme.