§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is proposed to arrange for the distribution of the standard dried milk to infant welfare centres generally instead of direct through a milk officer, and at the same time greatly to increase the supply; whether he is aware of the grave prejudice caused to the businesses of infant food manufacturers by this tendency towards nationalisation of the industry in question; and whether he will take steps to see that this industry secures equitable treatment?
§ Sir H. Williamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in arranging for the extended distribution of the national milk powder, he proposes to adhere to the hitherto expressed policy of the Government not to interfere with normal trading conditions of established firms; and whether, in that case, he will ensure protection to the private firms who have hitherto been successfully manufacturing similar commodities?
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§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in connection with the proposed extended distribution of the national milk powder to welfare centres, medical men who prefer proprietory brands of special food will be allowed, as hitherto, to have them, or whether any change in this practice is contemplated?
§ Mr. BoothbyThe national milk powder to be distributed under the National Milk Scheme will be issued by the local milk officer either direct or through infant welfare centres where the responsible local authority is prepared to co-operate in the scheme. These arrangements are being made for the purpose of simplifying distribution; and the amount of national milk powder so distributed will not exceed the quantity which is required to meet the needs of recipients of dried milk under the scheme. i.e., for those infants up to the age of 12 months for whom medical certificates have been received by the milk officer that such milk powder is to be supplied in place of liquid milk. The powers of local authorities to supply proprietary brands of dried milk outside the scheme are not affected.
§ Major Procterasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what amount of subsidy will be necessary to enable to be offered at is. 2d. per 20-0z, carton the national milk powder which is to compete with the well-known brands which have had, unassisted, to build up their industry?
§ Mr. BoothbyThe object of the National Milk Scheme is to provide milk, free or at a reduced figure, for those most in need of it, i.e., expectant and nursing mothers and children under five years of age. Such a scheme naturally involves a subsidy from the Exchequer. The same consideration applies in the case of milk powder supplied to those children under 12 months of age for whom doctors specially prescribe it in place of liquid milk. While I am unable to state what the subsidy on the milk powder will be, as the demand for it is as yet unknown, I can assure my hon. Friend that for each unit supplied it will be substantially less than the subsidy on the liquid milk provided under the scheme.