§ Major Yorkasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the number of milk depots handling under 764W 100 gallons and over 100 gallons per day; how many depots handling over 100 gallons per day are owned by private businesses, how many by the Milk Board, and how many by combine milk firms, respectively, at the latest available date, and at the nearest available date 12 months previously?
§ Mr. MabaneThe number of milk depots in England and Wales on the Ministry of Food list at 31st December, 1942, was 246. On 1st January, 1942, the number was 283. Both figures include 13 depots owned by the Milk Marketing Board, the remainder being privately owned. All depots on the present list handle more than 100 gallons of milk daily and are engaged in the collection and bulking of supplies for re-distribution. I am not clear as to the definition by which my hon. Friend would distinguish private businesses and combine milk firms.