HC Deb 04 December 1980 vol 995 cc410-1
2. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the distribution of liquid milk in the light of the recent Binder Hamlyn report.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Peter Walker)

The Government have invited comments on the report from the dairy trade and other interested organisations and are arranging discussions on its recommendations. I shall make a further statement in due course.

Mr. Mills

Will the Minister aways bear in mind that it is extremely important to continue doorstep deliveries from the point of view of both the producers and the consumers, not forgetting the social problems which would arise if they were discontinued? Will he also bear in mind that it is important to implement the recommendations in the Binder Hamlyn report as quickly as possible, particularly those on price structure? Will he further bear in mind that there is no need for any further inquiry into the milk industry as it has been raked over time and again?

Mr. Walker

I agree that it is of basic importance to consumers and producers that we retain the unique doorstep delivery service that we have had for many years. I shall examine and reach conclusions on the report in the context of endeavouring to ensure that this service is retained. There are some constructive proposals in the Binder Hamlyn report. I shall make a statement on the positive action that we propose to take as a result of the report in due course.

Mr. Torney

Will the Minister assure the House that he will add his weight to the views held by many hon. Members to the effect that there should not he a reference of the dairy industry to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, in view of the need to protect our daily delivery service because of its importance to the public generally and in particular to the elderly, the sick and the working housewife?

Mr. Walker

The hon. Gentleman will know that references to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission and elsewhere are not made under the influence of Ministers. They are made independently of Ministers. That was the basis on which the House passed the appropriate legislation. I hope that those concerned with making such decisions will note the hon. Gentleman's views.

Mr. Lang

If there is any change in the price structure of milk as a result of the Binder Hamlyn report, will my right hon. Friend ensure that the interests of milk producers are better protected, because their input costs have risen sharply while their end prices are tightly controlled?

Mr. Walker

If any system is to succeed, there must be the producers to produce the milk and the distribution system that will effectively distribute it. One has to retain their confidence.

Mr. Barry Jones

Does the right hon. Gentleman know how many small businesses and how many jobs are involved in milk distribution?

Mr. Walker

I do not know the figure offhand, but it is a very substantial number of jobs, spread throughout the country. I agree that, as has been said, it provides a very important social service and that we should be much poorer in this country if we were without it.