§ Mr. HAYDAYasked the Minister of Food whether he has received a petition from the NI omen of Bristol to the effect that, owing to the high price of milk, it is impossible for mothers to obtain the necessary food for the young children; that the inabitants of that city are suffering unnecessary hardship owing to the high price of milk and that the deprivation and hardship is due to the high price fixed by his Department and the undue profits obtained by many persons engaged in the industry; and whether he proposes to take an early opportunity of explaining to the House the reasons which have induced him to fix such winter prices?
Mr. ROBERTSI have received the petition referred to. The retail price of milk in Bristol for the month of November is 11d. per quart, or 1d. per quart less than the maximum permitted by the Milk (Winter Prices) Order, 1919. I must emphasise that the price fixed by the Ministry is a maximum and not a fixed price. It was prescribed after careful investigation of the cost of production and distribution of milk, and does not, in my opinion, allow an excessive profit to any branch of the industry. In this connection I may say that I have recently received complaints from retailers of milk in Bristol to the effect that the margin of profit permitted to them under the Order is insufficient. 1325W The second part of the question is a matter for the Leader of the House; if hon. Members desire to discuss further action taken by my Department in this matter I am quite prepared to do so.