§ Sir P. Hurdasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in order to obviate any increase in the price of milk to consumers, he will arrange for a rationalisation of milk deliveries among retailers in each district so as to obviate the waste of three or four roundsmen following each other down the same street?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonAs stated on 16th November last, in reply to questions on this subject by the hon. Members for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) and Cumberland North (Mr. W. Roberts), my information is that voluntary arrangements for a single daily delivery are now in general operation in the milk distributive trade throughout England and Wales, and that similar arrangements are under consideration by the trade in Scotland.
§ Major Procterasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the present prices received for milk do not reimburse farmers adequately for the cost of production, and that they are tending to embark on a policy of curtailing production; and whether, in view of the importance of maintaining our milk supplies during war time at the highest possible level, he will arrange to make a statement of policy at an early date which will reverse this tendency?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe matter to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers are at present receiving the active consideration of my Department, and of the other Departments concerned.
§ Sir E. Makinsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the available supplies of milk in this country are likely to decrease rapidly if sales of cows for slaughter are allowed to continue and farmers do not receive an adequate return for their milk sales and 1254W that there is a danger of a serious shortage by the end of the year; and whether he will initiate an early and drastic reversal of the present policy with regard to milk?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply to-day to a question on this subject by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter).