HC Deb 03 May 1950 vol 474 c1690
52. Major Guy Lloyd

asked the Minister of Food the present annual rate of milk consumption by private purchasers; the rate when milk was rationed; the annual rate of subsidy on the amount of milk being sold in excess of the ration level; and why a subsidy on this portion of the milk supply is necessary.

Mr. Webb

We estimate that 1,015 million gallons will be consumed this year by private purchasers, apart, of course, from the Welfare Scheme. The corresponding figure for last year, when for a great part of the year the non-priority allowance varied between two and three pints a week, was about 980 million gallons. It would not be practicable to have a scheme for selling a fixed allowance to all consumers at a subsidised price and any balance at a higher price.

Major Lloyd

Would the Minister tell us why those who drink very little milk should be compelled to pay a subvention for those who are now at liberty to drink a very great deal of milk? Is that called equal shares for all, fair shares for all, social justice, or what?

Mr. Webb

That is one of the problems of life that requires very careful examination.