asked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied that existing reserve stocks and current production of milk bottles will ensure adequate distribution of milk during 1947.

I should not like to give any assurance about the adequacy of production and stocks of bottles during the summer when milk supplies are heavier. It will be necessary for everyone to exercise the greatest care in using bottles. I am, however, in close touch with my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade with a view to maintaining the highest rate of production possible under the prevailing fuel difficulties.

Will the hon. Lady reconsider the answer she gave me a fortnight ago, about introducing some form of charge, which will ensure the return of the bottles, having regard to the need for bottles?

The hon. Member is evidently not aware of the fact that the retailer is covered by one margin for the return of bottles, and if we allowed a charge to be made, he would be enjoying two margins.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the railway companies have now introduced waxen paper cups to replace the cracked cups which we had during the war? What are the Milk Marketing Board or the Ministry doing to popularize waxen cartons, which were a good thing before the war? Why cannot we have them now?

The question of the use of cartons has not escaped our notice and I can assure my hon. Friend that we have examined the question. At the moment the price is prohibitive.

Mr. Baldwin:

Is the hon. Lady aware that there will be no satisfactory solution to the shortage of bottles until a charge is made for them? If she goes into the country she will find bottles littered about the fields, after casual labour from the towns has been employed.