HC Deb 11 July 1938 vol 338 cc900-1
30. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the average per capita consumption of liquid milk in Great Britain at the most recent date for which the information is available; and what was the average price per pint at the same date?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The average per capita consumption of liquid milk in Great Britain during the year ended 31st May, 1936, the latest period in respect of which adequate information is available, is estimated to have been two-fifths of a pint daily, the average retail price being approximately 3¼d. per pint during that year.

Mr. Ridley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that average consumption of milk in this country is below that of European countries and that the average price is higher than in continental countries? Will he, therefore, take steps to increase the consumption and reduce the price of milk in this country?

Mr. Morrison

The policy of the Milk Marketing Board is to increase the consumption of milk. As regards the comparison with other countries, the hon. Member must remember that we consume large quantities of milk produce in the form of butter and cheese, and that although the consumption of liquid milk may be below that of other countries, the consumption of butter is extremely high.

34. Major Procter

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the proposals of the Milk Marketing Board for the formation of central milk distributing depots; whether he is aware of the considerable anxiety of dairymen with regard to these proposals; and whether he can make any statement with the object of allaying that anxiety?

Mr. Morrison

I am not aware of any proposals of the kind referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Major Procter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable anxiety among retail producers of milk that the Milk Marketing Board are going into the retail milk trade, and can he give the House an assurance that his is not the case?

Mr. Morrison

I am not aware of any proposal of the kind referred to, but if the hon. and gallant Member has any particular proposal in mind, perhaps he will put down a specific question and I will give him a reply upon it.