§ Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicksasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the number of milk contracts which have been renewed since 1st October under which the producers are entitled to a voluntary bonus; and what proportion of last year's total of £400,000 for Guernsey and Jersey milk bonuses will the producers receive under the new contracts?
§ Mr. Mabane5,469 premium contracts for the year commencing 1st October, 1942, were made between distributors and milk producers up to 31st December, 1942. The number of Jersey and Guernsey milk premium contracts is approximately 60 per cent. of the number of such contracts entered into during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1942. I have seen statements to the effect that the premiums received by producers amounted to about £400,000 per annum, but I have no means of confirming whether this estimate is accurate. In any case, this stated figure covers premiums for T.T. milk, level delivery and special services as well as for Jersey and Guernsey milk. Premiums for Jersey and Guernsey milk were only a small proportion of any total sum paid by way of premiums.