§ 20. Mr. Teelingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the fact that the activities of the Milk Marketing Board in offering for retail sale at Brighton articles which are not primarily milk products constitutes an unlawful act outside their statutory powers, if he will take steps to restrain these activities.
Mr. AmoryNo, Sir. It is not for me to decide whether the Milk Marketing Board is acting in accordance with the powers conferred upon it by the Milk Marketing Scheme. This would be a matter for a court of law.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes my right hon. Friend realise that the Board is selling such things as currant buns, biscuits and cheese sandwiches, which have nothing to do with milk products? Can he not do something about it? Is he aware that, as a result of a Question I put to him last week, half these items have been withdrawn from these bars? [HON. MEMBERS: "Shame."]. Does he realise how much local people who are trying to make money during the summer resent this activity on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture. Lastly—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. This is a very long supplementary question. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to pursue it, perhaps he will give notice to raise it on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes my right hon. Friend realise that we Conservative Members were elected to protect the small people and that they want to know why he will not accept the suggestion in the Question?
Mr. AmoryMy hon. Friend's interesting supplementary question covered a good deal of ground. I can sum up by saying that these two Milk Marketing Board milk bars were opened with the full approval and agreement of the Milk Bars Association.
§ Mr. TeelingIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.