HC Deb 02 June 1959 vol 606 c25
39. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will reconsider his decision to free all processed milk for licensing, in view of the quantities of foreign imports and their effect on home production.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. John Vaughan-Morgan)

Owing to a shortage of domestic supplies, imports of processed milk have been licensed freely since last December. But I understand that the supply position is changing and I am keeping the matter under review.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Will my hon. Friend give very careful consideration to this decision which has been made, because it is impossible for some of the milk marketing boards to reduce their costs and, therefore, reduce the possibility of subsidies being paid by the Government if all these imports are allowed in free, including those not in short supply?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I think there are a great many interests concerned; they will all be taken into consideration.