Better, but not Cheaper, Milk The Government's long-term policy for
milk, announced in a Parliamentary White Paper last week, has the fundamental defect that it makes no provision for a progressive reduction in price. Milk prices will continue to be fixed by the existing Milk Boards, which represent the producers ; the permanent milk commission which is to report to Parliament will have duties of guidance and supervision only. The cost of liquid milk to the consumer will continue, in spite of the recom- mendations of the Milk Reorganisation Commission, to cover the loss incurred in the sale of milk for manufacture. The Government's efforts have been directed not to reducing prices, which is the most urgent need, but to improving quality by the payment of subsidies, amounting to nearly £2,000,000 a year, for the production of high grade milk. This aim is in itself praiseworthy ; but while those who can already afford to pay existing prices will get better value for their money, those who cannot will continue to go without. Fortunately the Government will subsidise special classes of consumers, by continuing the milk-in-schools scheme and by giving financial assistance to local authorities providing milk to nursing and expectant mothers and children under school age ; but the poor as a whole will be in no better position to buy. The Government, anxious to stimulate " increased consumption of liquid milk," resolutely ignores the most effective method of attaining that end. Chocolate manufacturers will continue to pay less for their milk than hospitals. * * * *
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