§ 48. Captain McEWEN (for Duchess of ATHOLL)asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the feeling shown at the attempted auction mart at Tranent last week of cows that had been poinded for payment of the milk levy, he will urge the committee of inquiry into the milk marketing scheme to lose no time in presenting a report?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. Jamieson)The Milk Reorganisation Commission have already made a. preliminary examination of the working of the Scottish milk marketing scheme as it affects producers in the East of Scotland, and discussions have taken place in Edinburgh this week with representatives of both the board and producers. The Commission will report as soon as they are in a position to come to conclusions on the questions remitted to them.
§ Mr. DINGLE FOOTCould my hon. and learned Friend say whether the Commission will first of all produce a report in relation to the East of Scotland, or whether they will wait and produce only one report for the whole country?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDThey will produce a report as soon as they reach the conclusion on which they are to report.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCould not the hon. and learned Gentleman in the meantime, 2082 pending the report, stop any actions for the poinding and selling up of these, in many cases, comparatively good farmers?
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANI will convey to my right hon. Friend what the hon. Member has said.
§ Captain McEWENIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that on the occasion in question it was the Minister of Agriculture who was burned in effigy, and that it will be his turn next?
§ 49. Captain McEWEN (for Duchess of ATHOLL)asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will represent to the Scottish Milk Marketing Board that, in view of the fact that many owners of dairy herds, in order to keep milk records and for other reasons, feed calves from milk in pails, such milk should be exempted from the levy charged to producer-retailers; and whether he can ensure that the milk required for the household and staff of the producer-retailers should also be exempted from payment of the levy?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDMy right hon. Friend understands that there would be considerable difficulty in giving effect to the Noble Lady's suggestions, but he has brought them to the notice of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board, and will communicate further with her.