§ Mr. T. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the proposals made by the Scottish Milk Marketing Board to increase retail prices of milk to 7d. per quart during the months of November, December and January; whether this increased price is due to the lower levies now to be paid by producer retailers; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent exploitation of consumers?
§ Mr. ElliotI have seen the announcement made by the Board on this subject. The proposed increase in prices is not due to the revision of the levies payable by producer retailers hut is considered to be necessary to ensure production of an2226W adequate supply of milk in the winter months. I have no authority to intervene in such matters except under Section 9 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931.