1920.] 



Distribution of Milk. 



1007 



III. — Neoesslty for Loweringr the Cost of the Production of Milk. — 



The Committee submit surprising figures showing the variation 

 in the cost of production. Returns from 43 farms show a 

 variation in net costs for the winter 1916-17 of lod. per gal. 

 On six farms the cost was less than lod. per gal. ; on six farms 

 2od. per gal. It is pointed out that during the period of 

 controlled prices the economical production of milk is not 

 effectively stimulated for the reason that cheaper production 

 will tend to lower maximum prices. 



IV. — Present State of Milk Supply —Quality and Cleanliness.— 



Not only is the amount of milk consumed in Great Britain much 

 lower than desirable, but the quality as regards cleanliness 

 is grievously defective. In the United States of America no raw 

 milk with more than 30,000 bacteria per c.c. may be sold for 

 human consumption. In 1916-17 Professor Delepine, investi- 

 gating samples of milk delivered to Manchester hospitals, 

 found that out of 30 samples 64 per cent, contained over 

 1,000,000 bacteria per c.c. The special Sub-Committee on the 

 handhng of milk makes many recommendations for effecting 

 a much needed improvement, tracing the milk from the 

 moment it is drawn from the udder of the cow until it reaches 

 the consumer. The point that great improvement is possible 

 without large expenditure on buildings and equipment is 

 emphasised. The present system, or lack of system, in handling 

 milk on railways is condemned, and suggestions are made as 

 to how improvements may be effected. 



V. — Policy of the Future. — Reference has been made in pre- 

 ceding paragraphs to some unsatisfactory conditions of the 

 milk industry and to the necessity of increasing consumption 

 and production. The Committee are aware that this cannot 

 be accomplished hurriedly without the sympathy and co- 

 operation of both producer and consumer. The aims of an 

 c-nhghtened milk policy should be : — 



(a) To bring about the utmost economy in production. 



(b) To improve the hygienic quality of milk. 



(c) To increase the supply to meet increased consumption which 



should follow improved quality. 

 {d) To prevent the exploitation of the producer or consumer by 

 any trust or combination. 



VI. — steps to be taken to Reduce the Cost of Production. — The 



Committee consider that the cost of production can be 

 lessened : — 



(i) By reorganising the system of herd management in order 

 to (a) reduce the loss when high-priced cows are sold for slaughter ; 



