HC Deb 03 November 1943 vol 393 cc664-5
61. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why the public in the West of Scotland were not informed of the cut made in milk supplies to retailers during the week ending 24th October?

Mr. Mabane

No announcement was made of the reduction in the allocation of milk to distributors in the area of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board during the week ending 24th October, as the reduction applied to a limited area and was due to a local shortage which it was hoped to remedy in the subsequent week by transferring supplies from other areas.

Mr. McKinlay

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the shortage amounted to 26,000 gallons a day and how was it possible for such a shortage to arise without the knowledge of the hon. Gentleman's Department?

Mr. Mabane

I think the hon. Member knows that imports of milk have had to be sent to Scotland in order to satisfy the demand there and it was hoped those imports would be available.

Mr. McKinlay

Has the position been rectified?

Mr. Mabane

As the hon. Member knows, it was announced on Sunday last that the ordinary allowance would be two pints a week in future.