HC Deb 14 June 1934 vol 290 cc1907-8W
Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has considered the representations from the farmers in Perth, East Lothian, and Fife protesting against the Scottish Milk Marketing Board's policy, because of its unfairness to them in comparison with farmers who produce milk for manufacturing purposes; and will the Government consider the amendment of the scheme to secure equitable treatment for farmers and lower prices in summer for consumers;

(2) if the committee of investigation appointed to consider complaints by consumers against the charging of winter prices for summer supplies has yet made

Total declared value of merchandise imported into and exported from the United Kingdom in the trade with Persia during the years 1931, 1932 and 1933, together with the imports of petroleum from that country.
1931. 1932. 1933.(a)
£ £ £
Total imports into the United Kingdom consigned from Persia 5,791,368 6,942,432 7,835,234
Of which—
Crude petroleum 2,288,009 2,229,303 2,130,114
Refined petroleum 2,256,877 3,438,366 4,689,628
Exports from the United Kingdom consigned to Persia—
Produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom. 727,443 826,845 1,055,876
Imported merchandise 52,787 11,422 28,108
(a) Provisional figures.

Mr. GLEDHILL

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to secure for British industry a substantial share of the trade resulting from Persia's prosperous development in recent years; and what further steps are contemplated?

its report; and, if not, will he urge the committee to expedite the report, in view of complaints by consumers against the delay of over two months in making a decision?

Sir G. COLLINS

The complaints made by the East of Scotland Milk Producers' Federation as to the operation of the Scottish Milk Marketing Scheme and also the report of the Consumers' Committee as to the summer retail prices of milk have been referred to the Committee of Investigation in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The Committee are fully aware of the desirability of dealing expeditiously with the matters referred to them. On receipt of their reports I shall consider what action, if any, is called for.