§ 51. Mr. Mackasked the Minister of Food what steps he proposes to take now that the Newcastle-under-Lyme Stoke-on-Trent milk rationalisation scheme has been temporarily suspended to secure in the future an adequate fair and proper distribution of milk in these localities.
§ Colonel LlewellinThe distribution of milk to consumers in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent will continue to be on a fair and equitable basis. The retail rationalisation schemes are designed to secure economies in transport and manpower and do not affect the quantities of milk to which consumers are entitled.
§ Mr. MackAm I to take it that, in spite of the fact that the scheme was originally proposed and temporarily suspended, that same scheme is to be re-substituted?
§ Colonel LlewellinI am looking into that matter, and seeing what can be done in the circumstances.
§ Mr. MackWill the Minister give an assurance that, if any individual or collective case of hardship is occasioned, it will have his sympathetic consideration?
§ Colonel LlewellinI think there were some such cases under that scheme, and that is why it was suspended. I am looking into the whole matter, and would certainly like to keep in touch with my hon. Friend if he has any points to bring to my notice.
§ 53. Major Yorkasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the continuing unsatisfied demand for T.T. milk in Yorkshire; and what steps he is taking to satisfy this demand.
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, Sir, this is so in certain districts, and is due to transport difficulties which we are trying to overcome.
§ Major YorkIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that, now, there is a wholesale organisation which is able to sent T.T. milk to retailers; and will he arrange with the food officers that T.T. milk which is now being bulked with other milk, is allocated to this firm?
§ Colonel LlewellinI do not know the answer to that on the spur of the moment, and I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better put the question down.
§ 54. Major Yorkasked the Minister of Food the number of milk producers with a T.T. licence in Yorkshire and how many sell, respectively, as T.T. milk, retail or wholesale and to dairies where it is bulked with ordinary milk.
§ Colonel LlewellinThere are 288 with 306 herds between them. The further particulars for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks are not readily available, but I will get them as soon as I can.