§ Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, before the Milk Bill is introduced, he proposes to take steps to discover the measure of support it receives, or the opposition it excites, in respect of the proposals for the compulsory pasteurisation of milk?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe Government's proposals with regard to the compulsory pasteurisation of milk, which were outlined in the recent White Paper on Milk Policy, have received wide publicity and attention. The views which have been expressed by interested parties will receive consideration before the legislation is submitted to Parliament.
§ Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the campaign for the greater consumption of liquid milk, due regard is had to the supply to firms using milk for manufacture; and how great would be the output of milk required to meet the existing needs of these firms and an increase of 10 per cent. in the consumption of liquid milk?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe reply to the first part of the question is, I understand, 587W in the affirmative. I have no information as to the present needs of manufacturers and I regret, therefore, that I am unable to answer the last part of the question.
§ Mr. Hepworthasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the practice of the Milk Marketing Board in publishing in its monthly magazine, the Home Fanner, lists setting out the full names and addresses of farmers who have paid penalties imposed upon them by the Board, either in full or in part, together with the amount of the penalties imposed; and whether, in view of the unfairness to the farmers concerned, he will arrange with the Milk Marketing Board to cease such publication forthwith?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware of the practice referred to. Whether it is unfair to the producers concerned is a matter of opinion. In any case, I have no power to intervene in the matter.
§ Major Procterasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that three Accrington producer-retailers were fined for selling milk at 6d. per quart whilst three weeks later larger milk distributors were selling milk at 4d. per quart; whether the Milk Marketing Board advised these distributors to cut the price; whether the Board condones this competition; and what action does he propose to take to prevent small milk retailers from being driven out of business?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that undercutting of the minimum appropriate retail price in Accrington was commenced by certain producer-retailers and that other distributors, being dissatisfied with the progress made in stopping it, started a price war. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that these circumstances place the Board in a position of considerable difficulty, but I have no reason to think that they have advised distributors to cut the price or that they have condoned price-cutting. In any case I am unable to intervene.