HC Deb 14 August 1940 vol 364 cc801-2W
Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information about the circularisation of the staff of Lewis's with the object of obtaining guidance upon the distribution of milk: and whether, before any results of such an inquiry are acted upon, he will ensure adequate protection for the small milk dealer?

Mr. Boothby

The inquiry was made not at the request of my Noble Friend but at the request of the committee recently appointed to advise him on milk distribution costs. I understand that the committee desired to obtain some indication of the manner in which the consumption of milk would be likely to be affected by changes in price and methods of distribution. For this purpose informal arrangements were made for the issue of a simple questionnaire to the staffs of:

  • The Ford Motor Company, Limited.
  • Lewis's (Manchester, Liverpool, etc.).
  • The Gramophone Company, Limited, Hayes, Middlesex.
  • The Raleigh Cycle Company, Limited, Nottingham,
and certain other commercial and industrial firms. In reply to the last part of the Question my Noble Friend is not aware that this inquiry has any bearing upon the position of the small, as distinct from large, milk dealer; and in any event no question of action being taken as a result of the inquiry can arise until my Noble Friend has received and considered the committee's report.

Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that national milk powder is to be subsidised at approximately 7d. to 9d. per packet and sold at 20 oz. for 1s. 2d., whereas the unsubsidised standard recognised brands with which it is competing can only be sold at 20 oz. for 2s. 2d.; and whether he will take action to remedy the grave position in which the latter manufacturers will be placed?

Mr. Boothby

I am aware that national milk powder is to be sold to permit holders under the National Milk Scheme at a price which is less than the cost of manufacture. This is the same principle as has been adopted for liquid milk under the same scheme. Both the liquid milk and the milk powder are supplied free or at a reduced price to those for whom the scheme has been put into operation. The national milk powder is to be manufactured by the firms who supply proprietary brands to welfare centres; but the price to be paid to them for national milk powder has not yet been settled.