HC Deb 31 May 1916 vol 82 cc2745-6W
Mr. NIELD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the progressive increase in the price of the principal articles of food consumption, and particularly in the case of milk, has caused anxiety to all those who are dependent upon military separation and other allowances or pensions, and in a special degree those married men who are now being called up for military service; and whether, having regard to the urgency of this question, the Government will exercise at once such powers as they possess or seek new legislative power to control the prices and conditions of distribution of such articles as they may think necessary to schedule?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 15th May to a similar inquiry of the hon. Member for Derby, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. NIELD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in estimating the recent increase in the price of milk and its causes, the Order of the Board of Agriculture prohibiting the sale of cows and heifers for slaughter was taken into consideration; and whether, in the event of his having information concerning breaches of the Order and the sending of such animals to the butcher, he will give particulars to the Board of Agriculture in order that they may take suitable action?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I understand that the Order of the Board of Agriculture refers solely to the slaughter of cows in calf and of young calves, and hence has no bearing on the matters to which my recent reply in this House related.

Mr. NIELD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he has received any information with reference to the enhanced price for milk and the threat of farmers to milk dealers that, unless increased prices for milk are paid, farmers will fatten and sell to the butchers many cows now in milk; and whether he will publish a warning that proceedings will be taken by the Board against any farmer so acting?

Mr. ACLAND

I am aware both of the increased price of milk and of the increased cost of milk production. I am not aware of the threat alluded to, and I fancy that the point which the farmer desires to make is only that if milk production does not pay he will give up producing it. As to taking proceedings, it is not at all an easy matter to compel men to carry on businesses which do not bring in a reasonable profit, and I believe that in the long run the best way of keeping up our milk supply is to pay a price which will yield to the producer a fair return for the increased cost of labour, feeding-stuffs and cows, and not less remunerative conditions than other branches of agriculture.