Mr. DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the proposed standard for unsweetened condensed milk being about 12½ per cent, below the minimum cream contents recommended by the great weight of evidence heard by the Sub-Committee appointed by the Minister of Health; whether this is against trade interests in this country; whether it will tend to increase unemployment here; whether ho is aware that the standards proposed by 472W the, condensed milk industry, manufacturers, importers, and the trade in this country are based upon the description officially given to this article in the Public Chemists' Report for many years; and whether he will use his influence with the Minister of Health to fix a reasonable standard which can be met by producers in this country and which importers should be required to reach if they desire to trade here?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am aware that the proposed standard for the minimum cream content in unsweetened condensed milk is lower than that recommended by English makers, but I am unable to accept the various suggestions made by my hon. Friend. In determining the proposed standard, consideration had to be given not only to the interests of British manufacturers, but to those of other sections of the trade, and still more to the necessity of maintaining at competitive prices adequate supplies for the requirements of the country.