§ Colonel Baldwin-Webbasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his attention has been called to the simultaneous advocacy by both milk producers and large distributors in favour of an increase in the price of milk; and whether, before any such increase is approved by the Milk Marketing Board, the question of cost will be thoroughly investigated and the interests of the public duly considered?
§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that during the last war, owing to the shortage of milk, the price rose to as high as 3s. 3d. a gallon; and whether he is now in a position to state what steps he is prepared to take during the present emergency to prevent a similar shortage and undesirable price increase of this essential foodstuff?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI would refer my hon. Friends to the reply which I gave to the question put by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter) on 22nd November.
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§ Colonel Baldwin-Webbasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, before agreeing to any proposal further to amalgamate milk rounds in different cities, he will safeguard the interests of the producer-retailers and the small distributors?
§ Mr. T. Williamsasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps have been taken to rationalise milk distribution outside London; and what has been the saving in man-power, petrol consumption and other forms of transport?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI would refer to the reply, which I gave to questions put by the hon. Members for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) and Northern Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts) on 16th November. Any such amalgamations as have been effected have been made voluntarily by the distributors concerned.
§ Sir R. Glynasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is prepared to consider the licensing of small dairies that sell privately to a limited local circle the milk products of high-class dairy cattle, in view of the fact that these dairies supply special customers who are willing to pay a price that permits the dairy to meet expenses; and if, in collaboration with the local control, special licences will be issued to such dairies as the contribution of this quality milk to the pool would be of no great importance and the continuance of the present practice would enable persons in rural areas to receive the milk to which they are accustomed?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI presume that by "licensing of small dairies" my hon. and gallant Friend means exemption from the provisions of the Milk Marketing Scheme. That scheme provides the Milk Marketing Board with powers to grant exemptions by resolution and no producers are at present granted such exemption. Under the scheme producers of "quality" milk are registered with the board and receive in addition to the pool price the "quality" premia payable. I understand that discontinuance of the present practice, under which persons in rural areas are able to receive the milk to which they are accustomed, is not contemplated.