§ 27. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Food why Mr. Bernard French of 77, Cremorne Road, Sutton Coldfield, was required against his will to register for milk with the Walsall Co-operative Society; why the food office ignored a doctor's certificate recommending T.T. milk for his baby; and why, notwithstanding unsatisfactory experience of the co-operative society's milk, Mr. French has been repeatedly refused permission to transfer registration of himself, wife and baby to the Midland Counties Dairy, which serves other families in the same road.
§ Mr. StracheyWhen Mr. French returned home on demobilisation he had a choice of retailer and registered with the Walsall Co-operative Society which had supplied his wife with milk since 1940. So far as I can discover, he has made no complaint, and no medical certificate recommending the supply of T.T. milk has ever been presented at the food office.
§ Sir J. MellorIs the Minister aware that he has got his facts entirely wrong? May I ask him whether this gentleman was required to register with the co-operative society merely because his late mother-in-law had been a member? Is not that a fact?
§ Mr. StracheyWe have made most careful inquiries from the local food office since the question was put down and we are assured that the facts are as given, but perhaps the hon. Member will communicate with me further on the matter.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been several cases where a person has been allowed to change his retailer and go to the co-operative society, but when he has tried to change back again he has been unable to do so?
§ Mr. SparksIs the Minister aware that there are at present a large number of persons registered, against their will, with private retailers, and they are unable to transfer their registration to co-operative societies?
§ Mr. SpeakerWe seem to be getting on to an old controversy.
§ Sir J. MellorIn order to establish the facts I wish to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.