§ 2.44 p.m.
§ LORD FORBESMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, when next giving further assistance to the old-age pensioners, they will consider introducing a scheme whereby old-age pensioners will be able to benefit by obtaining milk at a reduced price.]
§ LORD DENHAMNo, my Lords. It is not the policy of the Government to revert to the position of paying National Insurance benefits in kind rather than in cash.
§ LORD FORBESMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. Might I ask Her Majesty's Government whether they realise that by giving milk in kind to pensioners they would be defeating two problems with one shot; the problem of the pensioners and also the problem of the surplus of milk?
§ LORD DENHAMMy Lords, a scheme by which pensioners could buy milk at a reduced price might lead to some increase in sales, which would benefit the farmers; but it is not considered that this possible advantage to milk producers outweighs the disadvantages inherent in any such scheme.