HC Deb 12 July 1938 vol 338 cc1192-3

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

7.25 p.m.

Mr. Leonard

I would like to raise another small point upon this Clause, in which it is proposed to relieve the boards from liability. I wonder whether we might be advised as to the total sum already paid under this heading by the Government and the amount of liability of the Exchequer still outstanding.

Mr. W. S. Morrison

This Clause implements the promise made in the White Paper of last July. For the months of June, July and August, 1937, the boards will have to make repayments totaling £133,000. A further sum would have to be repaid in respect of some early months of this year if the boards were not relieved of their liability, but the total amount that might have become repayable would depend upon the future course of prices. This question is linked up with an alteration in the form of assistance given to the milk marketing boards in respect of manufacturing milk. Prior to the proposed new milk legislation, the assistance was given by way of repayable advances, but the White Paper proposed, instead of repayable advances, a price insurance scheme upon a different arithmetical and accounting basis. This Clause enables the transition from one scheme to the other to be carried through without complicated accounting and should be regarded as related to the change-over from one kind of insurance scheme to the other.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clauses 4 and 5 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedule agreed to.

Bill reported, without Amendment; to be read the Third time To-morrow.