asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state in respect of the Dairy Disposal Company for the year 1941 (a) the average price per gallon paid for milk, (b) the average cost per lb. of manufacturing butter, and (c) the total quantity of milk handled.

The particulars asked for are as follows: (a) 6.44 pence; (b) 2.6 pence; (c) 43,120,235 gallons.

Do I understand that the average cost per lb. of manufacturing butter is 2.6 pence?

2.6 pence.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the number of creameries and associated businesses under the control of the Dairy Disposal Company, (b) the estimated value of the company's assets, and (c) the present aggregate charge on public funds.

The particulars asked for are as follows:—(a) Seventeen creamery groups, one condensed milk factory with three sub-condenseries, and one toffee factory. (b) Estimated value of assets, being the net book assets of the Dairy Disposal Company and associated companies at 31st December, 1941 —£725,233 3s. 1d. (c) Aggregate charge on public funds, i.e., total advances from the Exchequer outstanding on 31st December, 1941—£849,447 os. 8d.

Will the Minister say how many itinerary creameries the company has?

I could not say exactly. There are 17 groups. In some of those groups there would be a number of itinerary creameries.

With regard to the figures mentioned by the Minister under sub-head (b), is there not a set off in respect of the assets held by the Dairy Disposals Board?

The assets I gave under (b) are £725,000. The advances from the Exchequer to date amount to £849,000.

But you have to set one against the other to ascertain the net charge on the Exchequer?

Yes.