§ 54. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there is a growing feeling, in view of the shortage of supply of milk, that there is an undue discrimination in favour of the priority classes as against the rest of the community; and whether he will consider this aspect of the problem?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am aware that the suggestion has been made in some quarters that the quantities of milk prescribed for the priority classes are unduly generous in relation to the supplies available to the ordinary consumer at the present time. I am not prepared to accept this suggestion. The priority arrangements were made on expert advice which took into account the varying nutritional needs of the different classes of the community. I would remind the hon. Member that large quantities of American condensed milk have been released for non-priority consumers and that milk powder is also available as a supplement to the liquid milk supply.
§ Mr. DaviesWill the right hon, and gallant Gentleman read the documents that I have sent in by post supporting my contention?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI have read them and have taken the trouble to go into some of the calculations made, and I am sorry to say that they are grossly inaccurate.
§ Mr. MathersWhat happens to the milk that is not distributed in schools on Saturdays and Sundays?
§ Mr. DaviesOf course, the right hon. and gallant Gentleman understands that these are not my calculations?