Lieut.-Colonel A. HERBERTasked the Food Controller whether the Report of the Travelling Commission of Inquiry as to the cost of production of milk in the South-Western Counties is based on the estimate of those gentlemen that cows can remain on pasture from the 1st of April to the 1st November in the South-Western Counties; and, if so, will he consider whether these dates should be changed to the 14th May to the 1st October?
Mr. ROBERTSEvidence was received by the Travelling Commission of Inquiry into the Cost of Milk Production to the effect that, owing to the earlier summer and milder autumn in the South-Western counties, it is possible for cows to remain at pasture from the 1st April to the 1st November, whereas the grass season in other parts of England and Wales is often over by the end of July. The recommendation made by the Commission as to differential prices was based in part upon this evidence.
With regard to the second part of the question, I am satisfied that there are no grounds for asking the Commission to review the evidence on the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member.