§ Mr. C. S. TAYLORasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, although the retail price of milk is higher under the Milk Marketing Scheme, the producer and the distributor are getting less, because there is a 20 per cent, increase in produce each year, with the result that more milk has to be sold for manufacture, which reduces the price for the producer; and if he will take steps to limit uneconomic produce?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMSales of milk under the Milk Marketing Scheme increased by 16 per cent. in 1934–35 as 889W compared with 1933–34 and by about 5 per cent. in 1935–36 as compared with 1934–35. The prices received by the registered producers were, in general, somewhat higher in 1934–35 than in 1933–34. The average prices for 1935–36 are not yet available, but it is anticipated that they will be a little less than those for 1934–35. My right hon. Friend has no information as to the comparative returns of distributors. As regards the last part of the Question my hon. Friend will not expect my right hon. Friend to anticipate the results of the Government's consideration of the report of the Milk Reorganisation Commission.