§ 59. Mr. Lipsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the proposed increase in the price of liquid milk is due largely to the cost of distribution, he will arrange for milk to continue to be sold at the existing price on a cash and carry basis?
§ Mr. BoothbyThe increase in the price of liquid milk which comes into operation on 1st July is not due primarily to increased costs of distribution. My Noble Friend has asked the milk distributing trade to appoint a committee representative of the industry to make proposals for the reorganisation of milk distribution with the object of reducing costs, and all economies, such as that suggested, will be considered by that committee.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWill the trade unions covering workers in the milk distributing industry be represented on the committee which is to be set up?
§ Mr. BoothbyI would like notice of that question.
§ Dr. Haden GuestHas a time limit been set to the deliberations of this committee?
§ Mr. BoothbyYes, Sir.
§ Sir Joseph NallIs it not a fact that a large proportion of the cost of milk is due to charges levied by the Milk Board?
§ Mr. BoothbyNo, Sir. The request made by my Noble Friend is that he shall have the proposals of the committee at the earliest possible moment, but that a revision of milk charges must take place by the end of September.