§ 36. Mr. H. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Health what are the terms on which the London County Council has arranged to obtain its milk supplies direct from the Milk Marketing Board; and why the contracts were not put out to tender?
§ 38. Major Procterasked the Minister of Health under what conditions the London County Council has arranged to obtain its milk supplies direct from the Milk Marketing Board; and whether he is satisfied with the reason why these contracts have not been put out to tender in the normal way?
§ Mr. ElliotI understand that the procedure adopted was in accordance with the Standing Orders of the London County Council. I am in communication with the council and will inform my hon. Friends of the result in due course.
§ Mr. DayIs it not a fact that this authority has one of the finest purchasing organisations of the whole of the United Kingdom and cannot it be relied upon to carry out its duties properly?
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsWill the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is desirable that such local authorities should undertake organised under-cutting?
§ Mr. J. MorganIs it not a fact that the London County Council are buying 10,000 gallons of this milk per day, and that the medical officer of health has informed the authority that they are now getting better milk than ever before?
§ Mr. ElliotNow the hon. Member is asking me not to interfere with a local authority, which is in direct contrast with the suggestion he was making in a previous question.