§ Mr. Manderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, in the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton, milkless days are in operation, owing to the fact that suitable arrangements have not been made for the equitable distribution of milk on each day, as was previously the case; and whether he will take immediate steps to remedy this situation?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am informed that in Wolverhampton the largest milk distributive firm has now resumed seven-day delivery but that certain others, although delivering daily, operate a milk-less day on each round in turn. In the neighbouring towns of Walsall, Bloxwich, Cannock and Hednesford, I am informed that the majority of dairymen are delivering on seven days a week. Representations have been made to the firms concerned in operating milkless days by the regional officer of the Milk Marketing Board on behalf of the Ministry of Food.
§ Mr. Mathersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what quantity of milk has been saved through the reduction of diarymen's supplies to customers; and whether any steps are contemplated to check evasions, through consumers extending their purchases to two or more salesmen, who make no cut on supplies of one pint per day?
Major Lloyd GeorgeDuring April the quantity of milk saved through the operation of the Milk Restriction Scheme is estimated to have been 2,300,000 gallons. The scheme did not, however, come into operation until the 13th of the month.204W Information is not yet available as to the amount of milk saved during May. The possibility of evasion from the operation of the scheme in the case of consumers taking milk from two or more suppliers is recognised and the scheme is at present being reviewed in the light of this and other considerations.