§ 30. Mr. J. Morganasked the Minister of Health whether be is prepared to authorise a survey of all farm buildings at present in use as cow-sheds for producing milk for human consumption, with a view to scheduling for the necessary reconstruction in a reasonable period of time such premises as may be found unsuitable?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)No authorisation by me of such a survey as is suggested by the hon. Member is required. The enforcement of the provisions of the Milk and Dairies Orders in relation to farm buildings is a matter for the appropriate local sanitary authorities.
§ Mr. MorganIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that only 22,000 farmers out of 120,000 have been able to get up to the standard laid down by the Milk Board for their accredited scheme, and that the board are now satisfied that farm premises are responsible for this?
§ Mr. ElliotIt is for the local sanitary authorities to enforce the regulations.
§ Mr. MorganCannot the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the local authorities to the necessity of improving the national milk supply in this respect?
§ Mr. ElliotLocal authorities have certain duties entrusted to them by Parliament, and they are a little jealous of inroads on their duties and privileges by the central authority.
§ Mr. AttleeHas the right hon. Gentleman no responsibility if he finds that local authorities are not carrying out their duties?
§ Mr. ElliotYes, but that is a general responsibility.
§ Mr. MorganWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is a serious matter in view of the extraordinary steps the Minister of Agriculture is taking by premium payments to get a good milk supply, at a cost of millions of pounds to the taxpayer?
§ Mr. ElliotYes, it is important, and so are a great many other steps.