§ MR. GILBERTasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the increased price of milk has resulted that many retail dealers in London and district have had a considerable part of their stock, left on their hands; and whether, in view of the increased cost of labour, local rates, lighting, and heating to these shopkeepers, he can see his way to reduce the present cost price of milk to these dealers?
§ Mr. McCURDYI am not aware that retailers have or are having a considerable part of their stock of milk left on their hands. I would remind the hon. Member that this is a matter which is dependent on the amount purchased, as well as the amount sold, by them. As regards the last part of the question, the margins to retail dealers were fixed after careful investigation, and the Food Controller is not prepared, on the information before him, to modify them.
Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Food Controller whether there is a glut in the supplies of milk; whether the public demand 59W for milk has fallen appreciably since the price was fixed at 1s. a quart; whether he has received reports of waste of this valuable commodity; whether the large milk dealers of London and the Provinces are making complaints; and whether it is proposed at an early date to modify the price in the interests of the consumers?
§ Mr. McCURDYI am aware that the usual excess of milk supplies in the month of October has been somewhat accentuated by the decreased demand resulting from the prices which it has been necessary to fix; and, further, that traders are representing that the margin of profit allowed to them does not adequately cover their costs. I have, however, no information to the effect that the demand for milk has fallen appreciably since 1st November, or that milk has been wasted. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which has already been given to-day on the subject.
§ Mr. LUNNasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if milk retailers in London are entitled to charge 1s. 0½d. per quart for milk from the 1st November; and, if not, is he aware that notices have been served on milk consumers by the Manor Farm Dairy, Limited, fixing the price of milk at that figure from the date named?
§ Mr. McCURDYUnder the Milk (Winter Prices) Order an extra charge of ¾d. per quart is permitted when milk is sold in bottles at the seller's premises, or of Id. per quart when milk is delivered in bottles at the buyer's premises. The notices to which the hon. Member refers apply to bottled milk only.