§ Mr. Henigasked the President of the Board of Trade what stage he has reached in his discussions with the suppliers of infant milk foods on the implementation of the recommendation in the report by 126W the Monopolies Commission on infant milk foods.
§ Mr. JayI have now reached agreement with Cow & Gate and Glaxo on the voluntary implementation of the recommendation in the Commission's report.
The companies have agreed that, where the distance between any post office and the nearest shop at which its infant milk foods are ordinarily sold by retail exceeds half a mile, it will supply those foods, either directly or indirectly through a wholesaler, to another retailer who asks to be supplied and whose shop is in closer proximity to the post office. The companies have further agreed to give sympathetic consideration to any cases brought to their attention by the Board of Trade of hardship caused by the non-availability of their infant milk foods in any place.
I expect this settlement to result in a considerable increase in the number of retail outlets for infant milk foods. Moreover, these outlets should be in the places most necessary to remove possible inconvenience to the public. I believe that the settlement is fair and reasonable in the light of the Commission's findings.