§ Captain Swinglerasked the Minister of Food how many gallons of liquid milk were sold to consumers in the month of January, 1946, and at what price per gallon; and how many gallons were sold to manufacturers, and at what price per wholesale gallon during the same period.
§ Sir B. Smith:During January, 1946, the estimated total quantity of milk sold off farms in England and Wales was 95.5 million gallons; of that quantity 90.1 million gallons were sold for liquid consumption by domestic consumers and catering establishments and the balance of 5.4 million gallons were manufactured into milk products in accordance with the Ministry's instructions. The Ministry of Food sells milk to distributors and manufacturers at the uniform wholesale price of 2S. 1½d per gallon, but, in respect of milk used for manufacture, 107W subject to the payment of appropriate rebates which vary according to the product. The net average realisation value to the Ministry of the milk used for manufacture was 13.24d. per gallon. Of the quantity put into liquid consumption, some 74.0 million gallons were sold retail at or below prescribed maximum prices, which vary according to the designation of the milk.
108Wthe greater part being sold at 4½per pint which is the maximum retail price for milk of ordinary quality; the balance was supplied to children under the milk in schools scheme (3.3 million gallons) at 1½d. per pint or free of charge and to beneficiaries under the National Milk Scheme (12.8 million gallons) at 2d. per pint or free of charge.