HC Deb 18 February 1924 vol 169 cc1321-2W
Mr. E. BROWN

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any action is to be taken with regard to the Report on milk prices issued by the Linlithgow Committee?

Mr. BUXTON

I would refer the hon. Member to a reply given by my predecessor on 21st January last to a question by the hon. Member for Louth (Mrs. Wintringham), which showed the action taken or contemplated by the late Government in regard to the recommendations in this Report. I am considering what further action can be taken in the matter.

Mr. LINFIELD

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the large profits made by dairy companies; and if he will consult representatives of farmers as to the possibility of devising means whereby the agriculturist will have a more reasonable proportion of the profits of the dairy industry?

Mr. BUXTON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the National Farmers' Union has already devoted much attention to the subject in connection with their negotiations on behalf of the farmers in connection with the contract price for milk. The Union is fully alive to the importance of securing a reasonable proportion of the price for the producer.