§ 24. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Food the reduction in the quantity of milk supplied to the public in October, 1952, as compared with October, 1951; and the reason for the decrease.
Dr. HillSales were 2 per cent. less. There is too little evidence from which to deduce a reason for so small a fall.
§ Mr. DoddsHow does the hon. Gentleman account for the fact that on 20th October his right hon. and gallant Friend said that consumption this year was practically the same as last year? Surely the hon. Gentleman must know by now, from all the dairymen's associations, that the reason for the decrease is the policy being followed by this Government, under which many people cannot afford the amount of milk they would like to have?
Dr. HillThe hon. Gentleman's argument is not supported by the fact that the fall in milk consumption has been in the higher income groups.
§ Sir W. DarlingIs not it the case that the fall has been confined to certain distributors whose efficiency in distribution is less than that of private enterprise?