§ 30. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make an immediate pronouncement as to the means contemplated by the Government to implement their promise to assist the milk marketing scheme by the adequate protection of Home-produced milk products, having regard to the fact that negotiations now proceeding between the Milk Marketing Board and manufacturers of milk products are likely to be prejudiced in the absence of such a pronouncement?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI understand that the Milk Marketing Board and representa- 793 tives of the purchasers of milk having been unable to agree regarding the price to be paid for milk in the next contract period, the matter has now, in accordance with the provisions of the scheme, been referred for decision to the persons whom I have appointed for the purpose. I do not anticipate that they will be in a position to give their decision much before the end of the month. I fully appreciate that it is important that any announcement of Government policy should be made as soon as possible, and I can assure my right hon. Friend that there will be no avoidable delay.
§ Mr. LAMBERTHaving regard to the importance of this matter and of the Milk Marketing Board being able to carry on its operations, can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make a statement?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid I cannot give a date.