HC Deb 08 November 1976 vol 919 cc92-3W
Mr. Watkinson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the highest figure charged per day known to his Department for delivery of milk;

(2) if he keeps a comprehensive record of delivery charges made in the various counties of England and Wales.

Mr. Bishop

Notification of delivery charges made by dairymen are frequently received by the Ministry's regional and divisional offices. As such charges are made either as a fixed charge per week, a charge per pint or a combination of these, it is not possible to specify the highest charge that is made per day.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food it delivery charges for milk are non-taxable.

Mr. Bishop

Additional charges, over and above maximum retail milk prices, in relation to the costs of maintaining a delivery service, may be subject to tax.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if there is a maximum that a milkman can charge for the delivery of milk;

(2) under what rules a milkman can charge for the delivery of milk.

Mr. Bishop

Maximum prices for milk are prescribed in accordance with the Milk (Great Britain) Order 1971, Article 3(2) of which provides that in connection with the sale or disposition of milk no unreasonable charge may be made. It has been recognised that where abnormally high costs are involved in maintaining deliveries, additional charges to cover these costs may be acceptable. No specific maximum additional charge is specified, but any dairyman who makes such a charge does so in the knowledge that it may be subject to investigation by my Department and to challenge before the courts.