§ 24. Mr. Sloanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make regarding the question of milk price parity?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)The Government have had before them the proposals put forward by the Scottish Milk Marketing Board for assimilating the price paid to producers of milk in Scotland with the average of the prices prevailing in England and Wales, but, after careful consideration, have not been able to accept these proposals. I have explained the position fully to the Scottish Milk Marketing Board and to the National Farmers' Union of Scotland. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the explanatory statement issued by the Board to its registered producers on the subject.
§ Mr. SloanIs my right hon. Friend aware that his explanation will not satisfy the Milk Marketing Board; and does he intend to do nothing at all to remove this disparity, which is giving the English producers a decided advantage over Scottish producers?
§ Mr. JohnstonExcept for the last part, I can answer the hon. Gentleman's supplementary by saying this. There is no doubt that there is dissatisfaction with the present position, and I have offered to discuss with the Scottish Milk Marketing Board any alternative proposals that they can put forward.
§ Mr. SloanIs there any alternative proposal to regulate the price? It is the question of price that is involved.