§ Mr. LIDDALLasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the operations of the milk marketing scheme are resulting in inhabitants of rich milk-producing areas of this country being compelled to subsist on foreign tinned milk; and what action does he propose to take?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have no information on the point raised by my hon. Friend. As I have stated on other occasions, machinery exists for the examination of complaints against the operations of marketing schemes. If it is suggested that the price of milk is unreasonably high, the consumers could take steps to approach the Consumers' Committee which is now being set up.
Marquess of TITCHFIELDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that co-operative societies are now charging 2d., instead of Id. as heretofore, for the collection of farmers' milk; and what steps are being taken to ensure their compliance with the rules laid down by the Milk Marketing Board?
§ Mr. ELLIOTIn accordance with the terms of the contracts prescribed by the Milk Marketing Board, collecting charges for milk are a matter for settlement between vendor and purchaser. I understand that all contracts are scrutinised by the board before registration, and any charges which appearto be abnormal are taken up with the purchaser.