asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the fact that apart from the personal delivery of milk, delivery milkmen often provide social contact and communication which is of great importance to the elderly, lonely and disabled, he will continue to resist attempts by the EEC to abolish the personal delivery of milk; and if he will make a statement.

Although there are no EEC proposals as such for abolishing the doorstep delivery of milk, this issue is closely linked with discussions on the future of the milk marketing boards. My right hon. Friend has stressed on many occasions his determination to safeguard the essential functions of the boards, and that continues to be his aim.