HL Deb 27 February 1962 vol 237 c880

2.44 p.m.

LORD FORBES

My 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 DENHAM

No, 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 FORBES

My 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 DENHAM

My 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.