HC Deb 15 March 1945 vol 409 cc391-2
61. Briģadier-General Clifton Brown

asked the Minister of Agriculture when does the extra payment of five-eighths of Id. per gallon to milk-producers start; what are to be the payments per gallon per month; and for how long does it last.

Mr. Hudson

Prices paid to milk producers will be adjusted so as to secure an overall average increase of ⅝d. per gallon throughout the year commencing 1st April, 1945. Actual prices for England and Wales which will vary monthly and according to regions will be announced in due course.

Briģadier-General Clifton Brown

Last week my right hon. Friend said that the prices would be in the papers. The price in the papers was 5s. 8d. a gallon, and next day it was corrected to five-eighths of a penny. The farmers are still in doubt, and why cannot my right hon. Friend give some details in the House of Commons instead of giving them to the papers?

Mr. Hudson

Because the actual details of producers' prices month by month have not been decided.

Briģadier-General Clifton Brown

When will they be decided, as farmers want to know?

Mr. McGovern

Is there any use in the Department of Agriculture having these answers typed out if the Minister cannot give them distinctly?

Mr. De la Bère

Oh, for a little common sense.