§ 65. Mr. T. Smithasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that farmers in general refuse to supply retail customers with milk, with the reseult that farm-workers and their families often have to have recourse to the use of tinned milk; and whether steps can be taken to secure better distribution of milk in the rural areas?
§ Mr. BoothbyI am not aware that farmers in general refuse to supply retail customers with milk, but if my hon. Friend will be good enough to send me particulars of any cases which he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into them.
§ 66. Sir T. Mooreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will authorise the issue and sale of dried milk at reduced prices to all expectant mothers and for all children under five years of age, in view of the fact that few urban houses have proper storage accommodation for fresh milk for 24 hours in summer; and, also, since the supply of fresh milk may be at times irregular and curtailed?
§ Mr. BoothbyNo, Sir, the arrangements in regard to national milk powder, to which product I presume my hon. and gallant Friend is referring, were made to cover the special case of infants under the age of 12 months, who are certified by doctors as requiring such milk powder 214 in place of the liquid milk which is provided under the National Milk Scheme. To meet the circumstances referred to in the latter part of the Question, there are available, through the normal channels of trade, various preparations containing milk powder, as well as supplies of condensed milk.
§ Sir T. MooreIs that to be allowed to be bought and sold as required?
§ Mr. BoothbyYes, Sir.