§ 20. Mr. MACLAYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will draw the attention of the Milk Marketing Board to the importance of commencing as early as possible an extensive advertising campaign to encourage the public to consume more milk?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREMy right hon. Friend is quite satisfied that the Milk Marketing Boards fully realise the desirability of encouraging the public to consume more milk : and the hon. Member will recollect that the proposals which he explained in his statement on milk policy in this House on 22nd February include the provision of funds for a publicity campaign. Schemes for that purpose are now being formulated.
§ Mr. MACLAYDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that up to the present there has been no advertising whatever, and will he bear in mind that every other beverage has to advertise extensively in order to ensure its commercial success, and do his best to speed up this matter?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI think the board fully realise that they have to undertake a scheme of advertising, but it is just as well, having regard to the nation-wide character of the project before them, that they should think it out and work it out thoroughly before beginning.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTECan the right hon. Gentleman do something to stop the doctors from constantly crabbing our milk supply?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI have no power over doctors.
§ Sir P. HARRISWill the same energy be shown in advertising milk as is shown in advertising stout?
§ 39. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the small number of farms producing high-class milk, he will reduce the licences payable to a nominal sum?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)My right hon. Friend will consider this question in connection with any revision of the Milk (Special Designations) Order.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEWhen the right hon. Gentleman is considering this question, will he also consider the question of improving and encouraging high-class milk, which at present receives very little support in this country or by the Government Departments which have contracts?
§ 40. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that all imported milk products are produced from healthy animals kept in conditions of cleanliness?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend is not in a position to say that all milk products are made from healthy animals kept in conditions of cleanliness, but he understands that most of the imported products are made from pasteurised milk or cream.
§ Mr. LAMBERTAre we to understand that any kind of muck can be brought into this country under the name of butter, even if it is made under the most filthy conditions?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREI am informed that no danger to the public health is involved.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs there no inspection at the ports, to see what the condition of this dairy produce is before it is brought in?
§ Mr. HANNONAre we to understand that the Government can institute no machinery to test the quality of the produce as it arrives?
| Number of Cattle, other than Calves, imported from Northern Ireland ports to Great Britain and the Isle of Man during the first three months of 1932, 1933 and 1934. (From monthly returns issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Northern Ireland.) | |||||||
| January to March. | Fat. | Stores (including heifers and bulls for breeding). | Milch Cows. | Springers. | Total. | ||
| No. | No. | No. | No. | No. | |||
| 1932 | … | … | 4,966 | 35,693 | 2,898 | 285 | 43,842 |
| 1933 | … | … | 7,087 | 25,608 | 2,255 | 169 | 35,119 |
| 1934 | … | … | 15,627 | 30,711 | 2,054 | 214 | 48,606 |