Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that separated milk possesses high dietetic value; and whether, in view of the under consumption of milk by working-class families, he will take steps to secure that separated milk is marked for food consumption purposes only, part from the requirements of stock-rearing?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI have no power to take the action suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Hall-Caineasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give an assurance that in reconsidering the legislation 1391W necessary to increase the efficiency of milk production in this country he will have regard to the necessity of providing more effective means for arbitration between the producing and distributing sides of the industry and for avoiding the delays and expense which have occurred under the existing system?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithWhile I can assure my hon. Friend that all relevant matters will be taken into consideration in connection with the re-examination of the milk problem that is now proceeding, I am not in a position to give any assurance on particular points of policy such as that to which he refers.
§ Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the number of gallons of milk sold for manufacturing purposes during January, 1937, 1938 and 1939?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe following are the quantities of milk sold for manufacturing purposes under the Milk Marketing Scheme:
Gallons. January, 1937 … … 16,358,000 January, 1938 … … 15,538,000 January, 1939 … … 14,572,000