Dr. Guestasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the nature of the proposals which have recently been submitted to the Milk Marketing Board by the milk distributors which would have the effect of increasing the price of milk?
§ Sir W. WomersleyMy right hon. Friend has no precise information about any proposals that may have been made to the Milk Marketing Board by milk distributors. I understand that consultations between the board and representatives of the distributors regarding the terms and conditions of the next milk contract, which will start on 1st October next, have not in fact yet taken place. The hon. Member will appreciate that under the Milk Industry Act, 1939, the contract may not be prescribed by the board until the Consumers' Committee for England have had an opportunity of making representations to the board with regard to any terms affecting prices.