55. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchisonasked the Minister of Food when he is likely to be in a position to alter the arrangements for the distribution of milk so as to allow consumers freedom of choice of a retailer.
§ Mr. StracheyI am setting up immediately a small working party of independent advisers to review the whole question of the distribution of milk, from the point at which the Ministry of Food takes over ownership to the point at which it is delivered to the consumer. The object of the review will be to make recommendations ensuring that safe clean milk is delivered to the consumer as efficiently and economically as possible. As part of this review, the question of retail delivery will be examined, and I propose to ask the working party to give special and early consideration to this matter.
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us the names of the working party, and whether they include any members of the Marketing Board?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, the invitations have not yet gone out.
§ Mr. GammansWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the producer-retailers will be represented?
§ Mr. StracheyI do not think I can begin giving assurances at the moment. The composition of the working party is not settled.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will take into account in this connection the men who are actually implementing his regulations in the distributing trade, and see that they are connected with the committee?
§ Mr. StracheyI think that is a very useful suggestion.