HC Deb 04 May 1937 vol 323 cc974-5
80. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government will consider the setting up of a distributors' board to deal with the distribution of milk throughout the country, and the registration of all existing dairymen?

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is prepared to consider any suggestion with regard to the organisation of the milk industry which any section of the industry may care to make.

Mr. De la Bère

May I ask the Minister how long it will be before we may expect some concrete and crystallised suggestions from the Minister?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I can assure my hon. Friend that if he has any suggestions to make, my right hon. Friend will be glad to consider them.

Mr. Mander

Are we to understand that the hon. Member has crossed the Floor of the House as a protest against the Government's policy?

Mr. De la Bère

Is my hon. Friend not aware that beer is best?

81. Mr. Haydn Jones

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the commissioner who held a public inquiry into the Milk Marketing Board's amendments to the Milk Scheme has yet reported; and, if so, how soon does he propose to issue his decision in regard thereto?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As soon as the report comes to hand, which should be shortly, it will receive my right hon. Friend's immediate attention.

83. Mr. A. Jenkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total quantity of liquid milk used in the manufacture of chocolate in the United Kingdom for each year since the establishment of the Milk Marketing Board; the price paid per gallon by the chocolate manufacturers; and the total cost to the Milk Marketing Board arising from the sale of this milk at a price below the cost of production?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that the quantity of whole liquid milk used in the manufacture of chocolate in England and Wales is insignificant. The price of such milk as has been sold for the purpose was 8d. per gallon in the first two years of the scheme and 9d. per gallon since. I understand that milk is generally used by chocolate makers in the form of condensed milk or milk powder, either manufactured by themselves or purchased from other manufacturers. The board have no information as to the quantities of these products so used. For information as to the position in Scotland, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.