§ Sir Richard Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the hardship caused to persons living in North Dorset and other rural areas by the new charge for delivery of milk, authorised by his Department, and of the distress caused to pensioners and others on fixed incomes by this innovation, which coincides with the withdrawal of the half-pint milk containers; and if he will rescind his authorisation.
§ Mr. PeartI have not authorised any new delivery charge and it does not fall to me to do so. The position is that the Milk (Great Britain) Order, 1962, does not prohibit retailers from making a reasonable charge where the cost of delivering milk is unusually high. I understand that this delivery charge was introduced in parts of North Dorset on 1st October, 1964. I am making inquiries into the situation in North Dorset and shall let the hon. and gallant Member know the outcome.