Mr. LLEWELYN WILLIAMSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that on 13th. October the food control committee of the borough of Llanelly sent a telegram to the Secretary of the Ministry for the Control of Food fixing the price of milk for the town; that a letter expressing approval was sent by the Ministry; that on 2nd November a deputation of milk vendors waited on the food control committee and stated that the price of milk had been arranged with the Divisional Food Commissioner at Cardiff, and that the Divisional Food Commissioner telegraphed on the same day fixing the price at 7d. per quart for November and 71/2d. per quart till the end of March; that this was done without consultation with or representation made by the food control committee, and solely on the ex-parte statements of milk vendors; and that the food control committee have protested against the interference of the Commissioner and complain that, in their efforts to secure fair prices for the consumer, they are being constantly thwarted officially; and whether the Food Controller will seek to keep within bounds the arbitrariness of the Commissioner, who is depriving the local committee of all responsibility?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The letter from the Ministry of Food to the Llanelly local food control committee stated that if the prices proposed by the committee provided suitable remuneration to meet the necessary expenses of distributing an adequate supply of milk in the area. the Food Controller saw no cause to differ from the resolution of the committee. Representations were subsequently made to the Food Commissioner to the effect that the supply of milk at the price proposed must involve, the dairymen in a loss, and the Food Commissioner, in order to prevent the diversion of supplies from Llanelly to outside areas, thereupon suggested to the food control committee the desirability of amending their proposed prices in the manner stated by the hon. Member. It is not correct to say that me Food Commissioner fixed prices, nor does it appear to the Food Controller that the Food Commissioner in any way exceeded his duty in making a recommendation to the committee.
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§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if any recommendation has been received from the Dublin Committee for the fixing of the price of milk; and if he will take steps to fix the price according to the seasons?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is hoped shortly to fix the price of milk in Ireland for the winter months; the price for the summer months will be considered later.