HC Deb 07 December 1953 vol 521 cc1607-8
28. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Food what saving on the food subsidies during 1953–54 he anticipates making as a result of the introduction of seasonal retail prices for milk.

Major Lloyd George

About £5 million, as a result of the factors mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member on 2nd December.

Mr. Willey

Would not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that there has been a slight price increase by introducing this seasonal price, and that this is deplorable in view of the fall in consumption of liquid milk?

Major Lloyd George

I do not think that the percentage fall is really enough to put it down to a particular cause. The average increase over the whole year is about 0.17d.

Mr. Crouch

Is not this fall in the consumption of liquid milk due to the fact that there are more other foods available now than at any period since the end of the war?

Major Lloyd George

There is no doubt at all that the increased consumption of other foods is bound to have an effect on milk consumption.