§ 3. Mr. Maddenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will abandon proposals to prohibit the distribution of farm-bottled milk.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Gavin Strang)I have nothing to add at this stage to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 12th June. A statement will be made in due course in the light of the consultations which my Department is currently undertaking.
§ Mr. MaddenWill the Minister understand that his willingness and that of his 767 right hon. Friend to meet a number of us this week on this issue is much appreciated? Will he confirm that he is considering the representations on this matter with a completely open mind and that there is no question of an automatic ban being introduced in 1980?
§ Mr. StrangYes, I can confirm that. The Government are considering the whole question of the ban afresh and my right hon. Friend has made it clear that he has an open mind.
§ Sir A. MeyerIs the Minister aware that the ban on this trade will deprive many individuals, particularly those in rural areas, of really good fresh milk?
§ Mr. StrangI should point out that no such policy is envisaged. Where there was no alternative source of supply, the ban would not be effective. We recognise, however, that the issue goes much wider than this and we are giving careful consideration to all the representations that are being made.