HC Deb 16 June 1954 vol 528 c1933
14. Sir R. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Food whether, with a view to assisting in preventing a drop in milk consumption, the Government will use every endeavour to keep the retail price of milk level throughout the course of the coming year.

Major Lloyd George

The course of retail milk prices has already been settled for the current financial year. When the time comes to consider retail prices for 1955–56 the experience of this year, and the views of the Milk Marketing Board and the milk distributive trades, will be taken into account.

Sir R. De la Bère

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend learn a lesson from experience? Does he not realise that these variations are very detrimental to increased consumption? Will he give a real promise that he will not play about with variations during the coming year?

Major Lloyd George

My hon. Friend will realise, of course, that the Milk Marketing Board had responsibility for the variations before the war. The pattern is exactly the same now as then.

Sir R. De la Bère

But that does not put it right.

Mr. Willey

In view of the statement made by Mr. Peacock, Chairman of the Milk Marketing Board, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman postpone the increase due to come into effect in August?

Major Lloyd George

No. I could not do that because it has been decided and agreed.