§ Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Agriculture how many complaints have been referred to the Consumers' Council under the Milk Marketing Scheme; and in how many cases a reduction of milk prices has taken place in consequence?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe Consumers' Committee for England have been considering the effect of the Milk Marketing Scheme on consumers and in that connection have examined 29 complaints, which have been made or referred to them. The committee have reported to me, and I am making arrangements for the publication of the report. Effect is1394W being given to the main recommendation of the committee in the terms of the contract recently prescribed by the Milk Marketing Board for the six months' period commencing on 1st April. This is, that the existing arrangements regarding retail prices should be modified by the fixing of minimum margins between wholesale and retail prices, so as to allow for play of competition, while protecting the market against undercutting. The minimum margins prescribed by the board for regions other than the South Eastern are, 8d. in country districts and small towns, 9d. in medium-sized towns and 10d. in large towns. In the South Eastern region the margin is 10d. except in rural areas and small towns, where it is 8d.