asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the settlement of milk prices for the coming year between farmers and fie distributive organisations involves considerable reductions in price to the former; and whether, in view of this, he will take steps to set up an investigating committee under the Agricultural Marketing Bill with a view to the establishment of a national milk pool when the new milk contract ends?

I am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the question. So far as concerns the second part, it is the general policy of the Government to postpone new developments which would involve expenditure, and I am therefore unable at this stage to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Is the right lion. Gentleman aware that the drop in prices is borne by the farmers, that only part of it is passed on to the public, and that a great slioe of it is still kept back by the distributors? Is it not high time that the Government took a hand and gave the farmers some help?

If those in the industry wish to come to the Government on the subject, I shall be prepared to consider any suggestions they may make.

Is the Consumers' Council Bill to be passed? Would not that enable this problem to be dealt with?