HC Deb 16 May 1935 vol 301 cc1874-6
29. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Health whether there are still some counties where producers are unable to qualify for the Milk Board's grade A scheme owing to the lack of arrangements for veterinary surgeons, inspectors, etc.; if so, what are the counties which do not give facilities for the production of this better quality milk?

Sir H. YOUNG

I am not aware that there are any counties in which milk producers are unable to qualify for admission to the list of accredited producers for the reason suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend. A producer can so qualify by obtaining from the licensing authority a Grade A Milk Producer's licence and for this purpose he may employ any veterinary surgeon who is nominated by the authority with my concurrence. In nearly every county in England and Wales the county council now exercise their powers to grant these licences, but where a county council decline to do this I am prepared to confer the necessary power to grant licences on those district councils who apply for it.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Does not my right hon. Friend think there would be greater uniformity in administration if the county council had the doing of these things instead of the district council?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is now time that the Government insisted that every county council or responsible authority should be obliged to employ veterinary surgeons so that they can carry out the examinations in connection with the production of this milk?

Sir H. YOUNG

In reply to the supplementary question of my hon. and gallant Friend, I would say greater uniformity, but the desirability of uniformity may be a matter of argument. I would inform the hon. Gentleman on the Opposition Bench that I have to act within the powers given to me by Parliament.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in reply to a deputation following the issue of the report of the Milk Committee he did, on behalf of himself and the Minister of Agriculture, make a definite promise that they would deal with the question of veterinary inspection and so forth?

Sir H. YOUNG

An adequate answer to that question would involve reference to the proceedings in question.