§ Mr. JAMES BROWNasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the present price of milk is giving rise to considerable agitation in Glasgow and elsewhere; and whether he will receive a deputation from the Glasgow and District Co-operative Consumers' Council on this question?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe Food Controller is aware of the position in Glasgow; but he does not consider, in all the circumstances, that any useful purpose would be served by his reception of the deputation in question.
§ Mr. A. SHORTasked the Minister of Food whether the Report of the Committee which is at present considering the question of the price of milk is expected shortly?
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§ Mr. McCURDYThe Report of the Committee in question has already been received and issued to the Press.
§ Captain W. BENNasked the Minister of Food whether, in fixing the price of milk, due consideration was given to the consumer; whether heed is being given to the fact that the high price is causing many families with children to reduce their daily orders; that in many districts there is a surplus due to this fact, and that many adult families able to pay the higher price are getting the milk which has to be refused to the children; and that in districts where there is no surplus the children are probably suffering?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Food Controller is aware that consumption of milk is limited in certain districts by the present maximum price, and that in some districts surplus supplies exist which are being manufactured into milk products. I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that arrangements are already in existence for supplying milk at reduced prices or free of cost in certain cases to children under five years of age and expectant and nursing mothers; and I may say that the Food Controller is now in consultation with the Minister of Health on the question of extending these facilities.