HC Deb 16 May 1935 vol 301 cc1880-2
42. Major CARVER

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any indication of the amount of deductions charged against milk producers now as compared with similar deductions when the Milk Marketing Board took over?

Mr. ELLIOT

As the reply contains a number of figures I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Are not there a large number of small milk producers in Scotland who have been ruined and put on public assistance?

Mr. ELLIOT

My hon. and learned Friend had better put that question to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Following is the reply:

The average wholesale prices, pool prices and producer-retailers' contributions per gallon for the six months periods ended 31st March, 1934, and 31st March, 1935, respectively, are as follow:

— October, 1933—March, 1934. October, 1934—March, 1935.
S. E. region. Other regions. All regions.
d. d. d.
Wholesale Liquid Price. 16 15.5 16.5
Pool Price (un weighted average). 14.46 13.48 13.84
Producer-retailers Contributions (un-weighted average). 1.73 2.33

The price received by producers (other than producer-retailers) is the pool price, less deductions for transport and transit risks. The deduction for transit risks was ½d. per gallon in each period. I have no information as to the average deduction for transport.

43. Major CARVER

asked the Minister of Agriculture what additional percentage of milk is being handled by the Milk Marketing Board compared with the amount handled when it started its operations?

Mr. ELLIOT

The average daily quantity of milk sold under wholesale contracts during the six months ended 31st March, 1935, showed an increase of 17¾ per cent. on the average daily quantity in the corresponding period of the previous year. The quantity sold under wholesale contracts in April, 1935, was 23 per cent. more than that sold in April, 1934. The information is not available which would permit a comparison between the volume of sales by producer-retailers in the six months ended 31st March, 1934 and 1935, respectively, and therefore I am unable to give a figure representing the percentage increase in the total supplies of milk coming under the Milk Marketing Scheme then and now.

Captain HEILGERS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the increase is caused by the disastrous state of the meat market?

Mr. ELLIOT

I have no information as to that. Some of it undoubtedly is caused by the increased consumption of milk in schools.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the steps that are now being taken to increase the consumption of liquid milk are comparable and adequate in view of the colossal increase in the output of milk?

Mr. ELLIOT

I think there is a considerable increase in the consumption of liquid milk, but I should not like to be taken as saying that it is adequate.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is not a considerable amount of milk being destroyed because it cannot be used and it is not allowed to be given away?

Mr. ELLIOT

No, Sir. Not a single gallon of milk.