§ 28. Mr. LEONARDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what grounds he has come to the decision not to adopt the recommendations of the committee of investigation which recently reported 1037 on the complaints of the distributors against the scale prices fixed by the Scottish Milk Marketing Board for the year 1935–36; and whether, in view of the indignation created in Scotland among distributors and consumers of milk by the announcement of his decision, he will reconsider the matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI am sending to the hon. Member a copy of the reply given on the 12th instant to a question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen and East Kincardine (Mr. Boothby) to which my right hon. Friend has nothing to add. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, but I would remind the hon. Member that the decision does not affect the prices of milk to the consumers or the provision for the reduction of these prices in the months of May and June.
§ Mr. LEONARDHas the Secretary of State for Scotland any evidence other than was given at the inquiry which would entitle him to pay no attention to the recommendation of this committee which is supposed to be a safeguard for the interests of the public?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe Secretary of State exercised his discretion in this matter with all the knowledge which was available to him, and he acted in the way which would be fairest to the parties all round.