HC Deb 26 March 1934 vol 287 c1620
25. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the remuneration for the sale of milk products largely exceeds the profits of the producers; and whether he will take steps to lower distributive milk-product charges to the advantage of both producer and consumer?

Mr. ELLIOT

As my right hon. Friend will appreciate, I have no power to lower distributive charges.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the situation is very serious, and that producers, in the West of England at any rate, will not sign contracts at figures which are really below the cost of production, while retailers are revelling in profits?

Mr. ELLIOT

I was asked to take steps to lower distributive charges, and I have no such power.

Major HARVEY

Has my right hon. Friend no power whatsoever to prevent complete ruin overtaking a large number of farmers in the West country?

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is it not the fact that the producer always gets the dirty end of the stick, and the distributor the clean end in these arrangements?

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