Channel Islands Milk (Hansard, 2 December 1964)

§ 28. Mr. Scott-Hopkins
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a statement on the future of Channel Islands milk.

§ 40. Mr. John Hall
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations have been made to him about the shortage of Channel Islands milk; and what action he is taking to encourage the increased production of this quality milk.

§ Mr. Peart
The industry have represented that the maximum retail price of Channel Islands milk should be increased so as to improve their remuneration and thus encourage further production. I am considering the application as a matter of urgency and shall make a further statement as soon as possible.

§ Mr. Scott-Hopkins
Would not the Minister agree that a case has been made out for the Channel Islands milk producers to have an increase, and would he not support the recommendation of the Thorold Committee that Channel Islands milk should be freed from control?

§ Mr. Peart
The hon. Member knows that we are to have full discussions. Until I have had those discussions I cannot come to any conclusion. When I have come to a conclusion, I shall make an announcement.

§ Mr. Prior
Was there not a leak into the newspapers last week, emanating from the right hon. Gentleman's Department, to the effect that he would turn down a recommendation to free Channel Islands milk from control? If the Minister has changed his mind, why did it take him six weeks to make up his mind in the first place?

§ Mr. Peart
The hon. Member has no right to make an accusation against my Department or officials—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—I would ask the hon. Member to substantiate his statement, when I will be delighted to hear his evidence, but he has no right to impugn the Civil Service.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. We cannot do this at Question Time.

§ Mr. Soames
The right hon. Gentleman will be aware, will he not, that all these representations had been listened to, and that a decision had been taken by the previous Government to free the price of Channel Islands milk, subject to the approval of Parliament? If the right hon. Gentleman has not accepted that view, will he say why he has not accepted it? We would like him to know that we are glad that at last this Government are starting to enter into discussions before taking decisions, so some progress is being made there.

§ Mr. Peart
The right hon. Gentleman knows that in reply to a Parliamentary Question last week I gave an assurance that I would consult. I have often stated that I would consult. I will honour that assurance, and I will wait until I have had my discussions.

§ Mr. Prior
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.