§ Captain WRIGHTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the necessity of taking long views in relation to the production of meat and milk, the comparatively low cost of production of meat and milk during the grazing season, and the 2340W increased scarcity of concentrated feeding-stuffs, lie will at an. early date, with the object of stimulating production, give a more definite pronouncement as to the probable minima prices for milk during the winter months and for meat after December, 1918?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe Food Controller has already announced that the maximum price for milk in the winter months will not be less than Is. 10d. per gallon, and a more definite statement will be made as soon as inquiries now being made into the probable approximate cost of production in that period have been completed. With regard to meat, the question of the maximum prices to be fixed for cattle and sheep after December, 1918, is at present engaging the attention of the Food Controller in consultation with the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Consumers' Council.
§ Captain WRIGHTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in the Midland and Northern counties dairying districts the grass, owing to the cold winds, has not yet begun to grow, and that the supplies of hay and roots are nearly exhausted, entailing the purchase of grains, offals, and such other concentrated feeding-stuffs as can be procured; and if, having regard to the high cost of production due to these causes, he will hold an inquiry, with a view to increasing the price to the producer for the milk produced and for the cheese into which the milk is converted?
§ Mr. CLYNESProvision has already been made for investigating the cost of production submitted by a group of producers in any area, and the subsequent fixing of a higher price for milk if that is found to be necessary. Any increase in the price of milk in any area would naturally involve adjustment in the price of cheese.