§ 49. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Food why he will not permit the public to change their milk suppliers, since much dissatisfaction is felt at the present system which ties many buyers to unsatisfactory sellers.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summerskill)As the hon. Member will know, the question of milk distribution is still under consideration. At the moment consumers have to register with one particular retailer in the interests of fair and economical distribution, but we do allow people to transfer from retailers who are not giving as good a service as can reasonably be expected of them.
§ Mr. OsborneIs it generally known that individuals can change their retailers? I have had several complaints made of petty victimisation, where suppliers and buyers have quarrelled, whereby elderly people are put to great inconvenience; and could it be made clear that they have the right to change?
§ Dr. SummerskillPeople can only change if, for instance, the retailer is not prepared to supply pasteurised or tuberculin-tested milk, or if there is persistent slackness in delivery, or if perhaps the standard of cleanliness is rather low. There is no other reason.
§ Mr. Henry UsborneIs the hon. Lady satisfied that the service is reasonable; and what is the definition of "reasonable"?
§ Dr. SummerskillIf a complaint is made we examine it, and if we are satisfied we allow the person to change.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingHas not the hon. Lady made a slight mistake, when she says people can change? Has she forgotten the case of the Co-operative Society, as is happening in Manchester, the members of which, when that society buys out an ordinary private enterprise undertaking, have the right, either to go to a new retailer or to stay with the old one?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe undertook that members of the Co-operative Society could stay with them, in the same way as customers of a private firm could stay with that firm.
§ Lord John HopeIs not the hon. Lady aware that she told me in a letter months ago that this question was being investigated; and can she say when the result of that investigation will be published?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe have had a committee sitting, and I have given the House the names of the members of the committee. We hope they will report very soon.