§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why the large milk distributing concerns, such as the Co-operative Society and the United Dairies, are allowed free powers of distribution, which are denied to smaller dairymen and producer-retailers?
§ Mr. MabaneLocal War Time Associations are permitted, in preparing schemes for the rationalisation of retail milk distribution, to exempt organisations, whether private or co-operative, which transact a considerable proportion of the total retail trade in the area. In schemes so far submitted two private firms operating in different areas—Howard Dairies of Southend-on-Sea and Pool Bank Dairies of Wrexham—have been exempted from zoning schemes. In both cases these firms are responsible for a considerable part of the trade of the area and are the sole suppliers of pasteurised milk. In regard to Co-operative Societies I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 21st October last to the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams).