§ 59. Mr. R. J. Taylorasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the break-down 619 of milk supplies to consumers in an area of Bedlington owing to a retailer's refusal to deliver in the zone allocated to him, and that for nearly a week adults, children and babies were deprived of milk; and whether this zone has now been adequately provided for?
§ Mr. MabaneYes, Sir. I am aware that a retailer failed to deliver milk to customers transferred to him under the scheme for the rationalisation of retail milk deliveries in the Bedlington area. Immediate steps were taken to provide supplies for these customers, as I think my hon. Friend is aware.
§ Mr. TaylorIs the hon. Gentleman aware that for six days babies and children were without milk?
§ Mr. MabaneI thought that the hon. Member saw the local officer on 20th March and that since then the distribution has been working satisfactorily.
§ 63. Mr. Hannahasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why large retailers supplying milk are given progressively higher rebates per gallon than the small man, while the bigger firms are entitled to charge 2d. a gallon extra if they sterilise the milk?
§ Mr. MabaneWith regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 21st October to the hon. and gallant Member for Ripon (Major York). As regards the second part, no specific extra charge of 2d. per gallon has been prescribed for sterilised milk. All distributors, large and small, may sell sterilised milk at the same price as they charged for such milk in the same area in the corresponding period of 1941, plus any increase that may have been authorised in the price of ordinary milk.
§ Mr. HannahAre the Government aware of the widespread feeling that there is discrimination against the small man?
64. Dr. Russell Thomasasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether all tuberculin-tested milk is sold unmixed with other milk?
§ Mr. MabaneNo, Sir.