§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Food Controller whether he is exploring means whereby the price of milk can be reduced; and, in particular, whether he has considered the stricter rationing of butter and cheese or the coercion of the farmers?
§ Major ASTORThe Food Controller is always exploring means whereby the price of food can be reduced. So far as milk is concerned, a sub-committee of the Com- 441W mittee on the Production and Distribution of Milk has been appointed to consider whether after the machinery for controlling the wholesale distribution of milk has been put into complete operation it will be possible to vary the prices paid to producers in different districts or on any other basis, and, if so, to make recommendations in detail at an early date. With regard to the latter part of the question, I may point out that the butter ration is to be reduced to 1 oz. per head per week as from 20th October, and that in any case the prices fixed for dairy products are such as to encourage the sale of whole milk rather than its conversion into butter and cheese. The Food Controller has always endeavoured to secure the co-operation of the agricultural community in the carrying out of such measures as are deemed necessary in the national interest, and he is confident that this course is likely to yield more satisfactory results than that suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.