HC Deb 11 September 1941 vol 374 cc335-6W
Mr. Evelyn Walkden

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he intends to include in the new scheme for the control and distribution of milk any provision for the retailers to purchase raw or brine-cooled milk at a uniform price, or will he undertake a review of the existing differentiation in prices for the same commodity, which reacts unfavourably against retailers known as small dairymen?

Major Lloyd George

While it is not possible to guarantee that all retailers of milk will be able to purchase their supplies at a uniform price, it is hoped that arrangements will be made under the new scheme whereby retail dairymen obtaining their milk through wholesale channels will be able to obtain their supplies on a reasonably uniform basis.

Sir L. Lyle

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what was the estimated output of milk on 1st September, 1940, and on 1st September, 1941, respectively; what is the estimate of milk which will be available on 1st January, 1942; and what percentage of milk in the coming winter months will be devoted to the supply of this liquid to the public, to the manufacture of cheese and milk powder, etc., and to its use in manufacturing processes of any sort?

Major Lloyd George

It is not in the national interest to make public the detailed information asked for, but my Noble Friend has recently stated that the quantity of liquid milk which it is estimated will be available in the worst months of the coming winter will be between 70 and 80 million gallons a month. In view of the requirements of the liquid milk market no manufacturing programme has been prepared for the six months from October, 1941, to March, 1942, inclusive, and only insignificant quantities of milk will be released for manufacture in this period.

Brigadier-General Brown

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the milk pool prices, as now guaranteed for each month to March 1942, will be proportionately increased to meet the extra cost of production caused by any rise in the wages of the agricultural labourer which may be awarded by wages boards?

Major Lloyd George

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd) on 10th September. In considering any application from milk producers for a review of prices payable to them all relevant increases in costs of production will be eligible for consideration.