§ 22. Colonel ROPNERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to typical figures recently published by the Milk Board which show that, on the present milk prices fixed by the arbitrators, an averge dairy farm of 18 cows can only make a net marginal profit of £1 1s. 8d. per week, whilst that for retailers amounts to £4 14s. 1d. on a distribution of 175 gallons; and whether he will submit to the committee of investigation any complaints which reach him with regard to the inadequate prices to the producers, in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931?
§ Sir G. BOWYERMy right hon. Friend has seen the statement referred to. Any complaint which may be made to him under Section 9 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931, on the subject of milk prices will, of course, be considered most carefully, but it is impossible to state in advance what action my right hon. Friend may find it proper to take.