§ 66. Mr. LEONARD (for Mr. ALEXANDER)asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the decline in the consumption of liquid milk in three out of the four months of 1936 for which figures are available, and that, but for the fact that there were 29 days in February this year, the figures for the complete four months would show a heavy decline in liquid consumption of milk compared to 1935; and to what extent this decline is due to the higher retail prices for milk on account of the successive increases in contract prices?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Ramsbotham)After making allowance for the extra day in February this year, sales of milk by wholesale for liquid consumption in the first four months of 1936 show a decline of approximately 1,000,000 gallons, or about half of one per cent. compared with the corresponding period in 1935. As to the last part of the question, the minimum appropriate retail prices were the same this year as last.
§ Mr. HOPKINIs it not true, too, that the farmer over this period has received from, 1½d. to 2d. less per gallon?