§ 15. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Food by how much the consumption of liquid milk has fallen in Stoke-on-Trent in 1952–53, as compared with the previous years; and, of the milk consumed, how much was sterilised, pasteurised or untreated.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIt is estimated that sales in Stoke-on-Trent increased during the period in question by about 100,000 gallons. As the rest of the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the information:
§ Milk sales in Stoke-on-Trent are estimated as follows:
| — | Gallons | |
| 1951–52 | 1952–53 | |
| Sales of Pasteurised Milk | 5,675,349 | 5,626,080 |
| Sales of Sterilised Milk | 2,598,942 | 2,749,774 |
| Total Sales | 8,274,291 | 8,375,854 |
§ Information about sales of untreated milk is not available but they would be negligible.
379§ 16. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Food whether he has noted the close correlation between the retail price of liquid milk and the volume of consumption; and what his policy is for encouraging increased consumption up to the level noted in Scandinavian countries.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNo, Sir. The facts do not support the view that the ordinary retail price is the sole, or even the main, factor influencing consumption. Total liquid milk consumption is 80 per cent. above pre-war, and increased consumption is specially encouraged by the provision of cheap or free milk through the welfare and milk-in-schools schemes.
§ Dr. StrossDoes not the Minister remember that as early as 1934 when a Report was presented to this House by Sir John Boyd Orr that fact was stressed—namely, the close correlation in all dairy produce including milk between price and the amount consumed? Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take care to see that the subsidy is never diminished but that it is increased to make sure that all dairy produce goes where it ought to go, and that is to those who need it most?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThat has been our endeavour ever since the scheme was introduced before the war. In the period of the last three or four years it is true that the price of milk has increased by about 30 per cent., but consumption is down by between only 1 per cent. and 2 per cent.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDoes not the Minister think that it is unfortunate that the doctor from Stoke-on-Trent lives so much in the past?