25. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make some statement before 30th July, 1937, as to the amount of contributions that producer-retailers licensed by the Milk Marketing Board will be required to make under the scheme?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I hope to be in a position to lay before the House this month, draft amendments of the Milk Marketing Scheme, one of which will provide for a revised basis of assessment of producer-retailer contributions.
Mr. De la BèreArising out of that answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will bear in mind now that what the farmer wants is 2½ per cent. long-term credit—not 5 per cent.?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat seems to me to be an entirely different question, and I should be obliged if the hon. Member would put it on the Paper.
§ Mr. MacquistenWhy should the retailer have to contribute to this scheme when he gets no benefit? He sells to his own customers.
§ 27. Mr. Lambertasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the price of milk powder has been increased from 17s. 6d. per cwt. in June, 1936, to 25s. per cwt. in June, 1937, despite the fact that the factories are not paying the Milk Marketing Board a higher price for milk; and what steps he intends to take to deal with the situation?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am aware that during the period referred to the price of milk powder has risen, but it is not the case that the prices of milk sold for manufacture have remained unchanged. Since October last, such prices have ranged between 5½d. and 6¾d. per gallon; the price from June to September, 1936, was 4½d. per gallon.
§ Mr. LambertIs it not a fact that the milk marketing scheme benefits the processors and the distributors, but not the farmers?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo, Sir, I should not accept that general statement.