§ Mr. Lees-Jonesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to impose any limit upon the number of creameries which may be erected by the Milk Marketing Board in competition with private enterprise; and whether, in view of the large number of creameries already operated by the Board, he will arrange for an independent investigation before any extension of this system is permitted?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonUnder the Milk Marketing Scheme, which was approved by Parliament, the Board have power to buy and sell milk and to manufacture certain milk products. In pursuance of this power the Board have acquired 16 creameries, including separating stations. I am informed that the number of depots and factories in the ownership of persons other than the Board in respect of which allowances or manufacturing rebates are granted has increased from 512 to 649 during the period of the scheme. I have no power to intervene in the matter. I would point out that the machinery of Section 9 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931, which provides for Committees of Investigation, is available for persons who desire to complain about the operation of a marketing scheme.