§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage he intends to introduce on milk discount tokens: what discussions he has had with self-employed milk-round persons: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Government currently pay the full retail price for liquid milk they buy for the welfare milk scheme at an annual cost of approximately £80 million. In view of the size and value of the Department's purchase detailed commercial negotiations have taken place with the dairy trade. Following these negotiations we intend to implement a new pricing structure that will represent a reduction of approximately 10 per cent. of the current average price paid to welfare milk suppliers.
This decision has been arrived at after an extensive period of negotiation, consultation and consideration. There will be provision to enable this reduction to be shared between all sectors of the trade on a voluntary basis.
People entitled to liquid welfare milk will continue to receive seven pints of milk per week entirely free of any charge.