HC Deb 26 March 1941 vol 370 cc585-7
52. Mr. Rickards

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will give the producers' and retail prices of milk and eggs in 1913, and February, 1941, showing the percentage increase in each case and the normal average increased costs of production for both milk and eggs?

Major Lloyd George

I doubt whether it would be possible to supply information relating to prices and costs of production of milk and eggs in 1913 which would be comparable with the information now available. I will, however, do what I can to meet my hon. Friend's request and will communicate the information to him as soon as possible.

56. Mr. Evelyn Walkden

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps were taken by the milk traders, who gave the assurance that normal domestic supplies of milk might be reduced by approximately one seventh, to seek the opinion of their employés, as to the practicability of operating the proposed scheme; and, in particular, whether the dairy roundsmen's trades union representatives were consulted as the major responsibility for rationing the general public will rest finally with the dairy roundsmen?

Major Lloyd George

Consultations regarding the cut of one-seventh in the domestic consumption of milk for non-priority purposes have been and are still being conducted with English and Scottish distributors representative of all types of businesses. While representatives of the roundsmen were not directly consulted, 1 can assure my hon. Friend that their position is receiving full consideration, and every effort will be made in the administration of the cut, to see that their task is made as easy as possible.

Mr. Walkden

Is the Minister aware that foremen, roundsmen, and managers are already holding a conference, and that during the past week-end strong resentment has been expressed by this conference against the proposals, which have already been denounced as unworkable? Would it not have been preferable to have asked the trade union for their poin of view on this vital issue?

Major Lloyd George

I can assure the hon. Member that we should be very glad to see them.

Mr. Davidson

The Minister stated that their opinion was being considered. Will he specify exactly in what way the roundsmen's trade union are being consulted in regard to this point?

57. Mr. Walkden

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider adopting immediate registration for supplies of milk for domestic use; and whether he will announce before the middle of April, as a guide for dairy roundsmen, what is to be the maximum unit of supply for each person?

Major Lloyd George

No, Sir. My Noble Friend can see no need to apply the rationing procedure to the distribution of liquid milk.

Mr. W. H. Green

Arising out of that reply, may I ask the Minister whether, in view of the possibility of the distributors finding it impossible to operate this scheme, he will seriously reconsider it? Furthermore, is he aware that the great co-operative societies of this country have expressed their opinion that this scheme is unfair to the consumer and is unworkable?

Major Lloyd George

Of course, if the scheme proves unworkable, we shall have to reconsider it, because the whole object is to make it work.