HC Deb 13 June 1934 vol 290 cc1686-7
27 and 36. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked (1) the Secretary of State for Scotland what contract was signed by the Glasgow milk retailers who have been refused supplies by the Milk Board because they sold standard milk to working-class consumers at cheap rates; and, if no contracts were signed by these retailers, why are they prohibited from selling milk at the lowest possible price to consumers; and

(2) the Lord Advocate if he is aware that seven milk retailers in Glasgow have been refused supplies by the Milk Marketing Board because they were selling at reduced prices; and will he state under what Act of Parliament the Scottish Milk Marketing Board is entitled to refuse supplies to these retailers and threaten them with economic boycott unless they agree to increase their prices?

Sir G. COLLINS

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his question on 6th June. Under the contract entered into between distributors and the Scottish Milk Marketing Board it is provided that all buyers of milk from or through the agency of the board shall undertake to observe the prices fixed by the board and to take sub-purchasers bound in a similar obligation. The retailers referred to are sub-purchasers in terms of the contract.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

What Act of Parliament enables them to stop the supply of milk to those retailers who are supplying milk cheap to the poor people of Glasgow?

Sir G. COLLINS

As the hon. Gentleman knows, these boards are set up by the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931, and the terms of the contract entered into between the board and the distributors are well within the four corners of that Act.