§ 4. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Secretary. of State for Scotland if he is aware that dairy farmers are having to wait over two years for the delivery of cream separators, without which it is extremely difficult for them to make good butter; and whether he will make representations to the Ministers concerned, urging that the manufacturers of separators should be allowed at least a limited amount of the materials and labour they require for production.
§ Mr. T. FraserMy right hon. Friend is aware that no farm-type cream separators are being delivered at the moment. In order to ensure that liquid milk is used in the best national interest, it is the Government's policy to encourage the sale of the maximum quantity through controlled channels. In these circumstances materials in short supply cannot at present be allocated for the manufacture of farm type cream separators for use at home.
§ Mr. Thornton-KemsleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in many stock-rearing counties of Scotland milk is used for rearing livestock, and that it is wasteful to feed whole milk to livestock, it being far better to separate it and use the butter fat for making butter for human consumption, and the separated milk for feeding the livestock? In view of that, will he not allow some cream separators to these farmers?
§ Mr. FraserNo, I do not think that a case can be made out for the allocation of materials and labour for the manufacture of cream separators during the present conditions of shortage.