§ 66. Mr. Woodsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that during the week ending 21st November some milk retailers in Batley, Dewsbury, and other West Riding towns, were unable to supply any thing except priority milk for several days because the short supplies available were barely sufficient for priority needs; and whether he will take steps to ensure that similar difficulties are prevented in future by more rapid action on the part of his Department?
§ Mr. MabaneDuring the week ending 21st November there was a shortage of milk in many areas, including Batley and Dewsbury. The quantities of milk available for diversion in that period were insufficient to meet these shortages, which had been accentuated by a more rapid decline in production than had been anticipated. Since the reduction of the maximum non-priority allowance to two pints on Sunday, 22nd November, the position has been eased considerably, and supplies are being sent to deficiency areas. So far as I am aware, the dairymen's requirements in Batley and Dewsbury are now being met.
§ Mr. WoodsCan the hon. Gentleman arrange to secure that this sort of thing will not take place, in view of the fact that this is mostly pasteurised milk?
§ Mr. MabaneThe period referred to was the week ending 21st November. It was very doubtful whether we should reduce the non-priority allowance in that week or the week after. Actually, we reduced it on 22nd November, and since then the deficiencies have not been of the same character.