§ 60. Sir G. Gibsonasked the Minister of Agriculture the total amount received by the Milk Marketing Board from distributors and paid to producers during the past 12 months; and what were the costs of administration of the board during this period?
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend understands from the Milk Marketing Board that the accounts for the financial year ended 31st March, 1938, are not yet ready, but the board will send a copy of the accounts to my hon. Friend as soon as they are available.
§ 61. Sir G. Gibsonasked the Minister of Agriculture the amount falling upon the taxpayer as a result of loss due to the operations of the Milk Marketing Board during the last available 12 months?
§ Mr. RamsbothamMy right hon. Friend is not aware of any loss due to the operations of the Milk Marketing Board which falls on the taxpayer. Perhaps my hon. Friend has in mind the Exchequer payments, amounting to £108,028 during the 12 months ended 31st March last, in respect of milk manufactured into certain products, or the Exchequer contribution, amounting to £474,449 during the same period, towards the expenses of the board in giving effect to the milk-in-schools scheme and other approved arrangements for increasing demand. In addition, during the same period the Commissioner for the Special Areas made a grant of £4330 towards the cost of experimental schemes for the supply of cheap milk to nursing and expectant mothers and children under school age.