asked the Minister of Food what additions have been made since 1st May, 1948, to the retailers' margins for liquid milk; and what is the estimated cost of these additions for the present financial year.

The margins for milk retailers in England and Wales were increased by ⅜d. per gallon on 1st October, 1948, except in the London area, where the increase was ⅛d. per gallon. For the present financial year to 31st March, 1949, the cost is estimated to be about £800,000.