HC Deb 18 November 1942 vol 385 cc364-5W
Brigadier-General Brown

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the assurances given that financial economies will result from the new rationalisation of the milk distributors scheme, he will publish for the information of all concerned, every six months, a detailed report on the operations of the plan and the saving on the mileage delivery runs in town and country districts?

Mr. Mabane

My Noble Friend could not undertake to make periodical reports, as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, but he is aware of the interest of the House in the milk retail rationalisation schemes and I shall be glad, as suitable opportunities occur, to give the House particulars of the progress achieved.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there is a temporary shortage of milk in the London area compelling retailers to reduce supplies to their customers; will he make an early statement on the wireless as to the reason of the shortage; and whether all London retailers are equally affected?

Mr. Mabane

The present temporary shortage of milk in the London area, which has necessitated some reduction in supplies to non-priority consumers, is due to a more rapid decline in the production of milk than was anticipated. As announced by my Noble Friend yesterday, the authorised maximum allowance for non-priority consumers is to be reduced to two pints per week as from Sunday next, the 22nd November. This applies to all dairymen both in London and throughout the country, and the announcement was included in the broadcast news last night.

Captain York

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the ex-farm allowance paid to all distributors of all types buying from the Ministry will be paid to producers who provide their own churns?

Mr. Mabane

No, Sir. It is the responsibility of the distributor to provide churns, but if by arrangement the producer provides churns the service is usually covered by the payment of a premium by the distributor under the Milk Marketing Board's premium contract.

Mr. Parker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how far the arrangements for the rationalisation of retail milk distribution follow the general lines recommended by the Perry Committee?

Mr. Mabane

Schemes for rationalisation of retail deliveries of milk are based upon the principles laid down in Command Paper No. 6362. They differ substantially from the proposals of the Perry Committee. The latter body recommended zoning schemes whereby milk was delivered in a district by two organisations only, one being the local Cooperative Society and the other a combination of all private traders whereas the present schemes, while aiming at the maximum economy of transport and manpower, maintain the identity of individual distributors.