§ 35 and 37. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) in view of the fact that the cost of milk distribution is lower in towns of high density, what is the reason for the minimum retail price of milk being higher in London than in any other part of the country;
(2) what are the limits of the London area for the purpose of fixing minimum retail prices by the Milk Marketing Board; and whether he is aware that there are complaints from a number of the inhabitants of Essex that they have to pay winter prices, as in London, throughout the year?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am sending the hon. Member a statement of the minimum retail prices prescribed in the contract for the sale of milk by wholesale, from which he will see that the minimum price of 2s. 4d. per gallon applies to all urban districts, boroughs or county boroughs in the South-Eastern region (which includes Essex) having a population exceeding 25,000 and to the City of London and the Metropolitan Police district.
§ 36. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Agriculture what were the circumstances in which milk supplies were cut off from Mr. J. A. Thomas, of Wisbech; and 889 whether he will have an inquiry as there is a wide feeling in that district that great hardship has been caused unnecessarily?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 15th May to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter).
§ 38. Mr. A. V. Alexanderasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to introduce a Bill this Session to deal with the milk industry; what will be its scope, and on what date the Bill will be submitted?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithAs I stated in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 1st May, I appreciate that existing legislative provision in regard to the milk industry expires on 30th September next, and I hope to introduce a further measure of milk legislation this summer. I cannot yet say, however, what will be the scope of the Bill or when it will be introduced.
§ Mr. AlexanderCan the right hon. Gentleman give the date on which it will be introduced?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am afraid I cannot give the exact date.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIs the Bill likely to contain any provisions apart from merely recouping the Milk Marketing Board?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am not in a position to make a statement on that.
§ 39. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in Gloucestershire are receiving, since 1st May, a lower price for their milk; and why has there been no corresponding reduction in the price of milk to the consumers in the borough of Cheltenham?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe wholesale price for the sale of milk by registered producers during May was Is. 1½d. per gallon compared with Is. 4d. per gallon for April. The minimum retail price applicable in Cheltenham during May was 2S. per gallon compared with 2s. 4d. per gallon in April.
§ Mr. LipsonIs my right hon. Friend aware whether the reduction has been 890 made, since the information I have is that no reduction has taken place?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThat is outside my sphere.