asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that many milk retailers are now operating at a loss owing to increased costs and reduced sales; and if he will now agree to receive a deputation in accordance with the request made to him on 30th October by the National Dairymen's Association.

I am aware that many milk retailers are complaining that they have difficulty in carrying on at the present time owing to increasing costs and reduced sales. I have agreed to receive a deputation from the Central Milk Distributive Committee (on which the National Dairymen's Association is represented) and the National Farmers' Union tomorrow.