Sir M. BARLOWasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food with regard to the Milk (Summer Prices) Order, 1918, whether he is aware that in many areas in the North the producers are not prepared to continue the supply of milk at the producers' prices fixed by the Order, and that they have now, in the case of Salford, stopped forwarding milk to the retail distributers; and what remedy can he suggest?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe summer price of milk was fixed with the concurrence of the Board of Agriculture, and is thought to be adequate in most areas. In order to meet the wants of any area in which it was found to be inadequate power was taken to fix such higher prices as were proved on inquiry to be justified by the cost of production. Inquiries have accordingly been held in many areas, including the Northern areas, and the decision of the Food Controller will be announced in due course. Where the price is raised, the increase will be made to operate so as to compensate the producer for the period in which he has received a lower price.