HC Deb 08 February 1937 vol 320 cc30-2
55. Mr. Short

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the wide difference in the haulage costs of milk; and whether any action is being taken to organise haulage and reduce the cost per gallon carried?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

According to figures supplied by the boards to the Committee of Investigation, the transport charges borne by individual producers vary from about 3d. per gallon to less than 1d. per gallon. The costs of transporting milk paid by individual producers vary considerably owing to the different distances travelled by milk before it reaches its market. The question of organising the assembly and transport of milk supplies with a view to reducing the distances travelled and consequently the cost of transport, was examined by the Reorganisation Commission for Milk for Great Britain, whose report was published recently. The commission's recommendations are under consideration.

57. Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the success of the Swedish milk marketing arrangements whereby the economic position of the farmers has been improved, while at the same time the retail price of milk is only about 1⅓d. per pint, and the quantity consumed per head nearly double that in this country; and whether he will consider adopting the whole or some parts of the Swedish scheme?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware of the system of organisation of milk marketing in Sweden. In that country, which is an exporter of dairy produce, approximately twice as much milk is sold for manufacture as for liquid consumption, and in consequence the producers' price is based on butter prices. This price is assisted by the maintenance of internal butter prices at a figure substantially above export prices, and also by means of a subsidy. Very different conditions exist in Great Britain, where two-thirds of the milk is sold for liquid consumption and one-third manufactured. About 90 percent. of the butter consumed in Great Britain in 1936 was imported, and consumers obtained the benefit of low import prices. The Swedish system could, therefore, only be adopted here at considerable cost to butter consumers.

Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into account the fact that, owing to the system of co-operative dairying and the system of co-operative marketing, there is a very great saving in costs in Sweden; and, in view of the difference in price, will he not look further into this matter?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware of the influence of the co-operative system in Sweden, but the real factor is the cost of butter in this country, and I am advised that, if the Swedish system had been in existence in this country in 1936, it would have cost our consumers of butter an additional £11,000,000.

Mr. T. Williams

Can the Minister say what subsidy is given to agriculturists for butter by the Swedish Government, and whether or not that subsidy is larger than the import duty on butter coming into this country from foreign countries?

Mr. Morrison

I think the hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.

64. Mr. Thorne

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of farmers summoned by the Milk Marketing Board during the past three years for non-payment of levies under the milk marketing scheme?

59. Mr. Whiteley

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of milk producers connected with the Milk Marketing Board, and the number who have been summoned for non-payment of levies?

Mr. Morrison

The number of producers registered under the Milk Marketing Scheme is approximately 149,000. I am informed by the board that proceedings for the recovery of unpaid contributions have been taken in approximately 7,700 cases since the inception of the scheme.