THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government whether they will state how much liquid milk is now being brought to Great Britain daily by air from Northern Ireland, and by whom it is being carried; how long this has been going on, and the total quantity, in gallons, of the milk so brought, up to the nearest convenient date; what is the additional cost of carriage per gallon of such milk, and whether it is being met by the consumer, the producer, or the taxpayer; and how long it is proposed to continue this expensive and unnecessary practice.
§ THE EARL OF HUNTINGDONThe transport of milk by air from Northern Ireland to Great Britain began on September 15 and ceased on October 31 because of weather conditions. About 320,000 gallons were transported which provided a weekly allowance of two pints per head for nearly 200,000 people during that period.
The prolonged drought in England during the latter part of the summer caused a severe shortage of milk in many parts of the country and serious difficulties were experienced in maintaining a supply of milk to many consumers. There was surplus milk in Northern Ireland but 835WA large quantities could not be carried by sea with sufficient speed to ensure arrival in good condition. Transport by air overcame this difficulty and its cost at about 2s. per gallon was no higher than transport by special ship had this been practicable. The aircraft was operated by Skyways, Ltd.
All milk transport including transport by air forms part of the costs of trading, 836WA any losses on which are met by the taxpayer. My right honourable friend the Minister of Food regards it as his duty to make the best use of available supplies of foodstuffs and does not consider that transport of milk by air in the circumstances which existed in September and October was unnecessary or unwarrantably expensive.
House adjourned at five minutes past five o'clock.