HC Deb 07 May 1928 vol 217 cc7-8
20. Mr. R. YOUNG

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total amount of milk for commercial purposes produced during the past two years: will he say how much of it was pasteurised milk, Grade A milk, and Grade A tuberculin-tested milk; and how much described as clean milk, purified milk etc., was produced for consumption?

Mr. GUINNESS

As the reply is rather long, I propose with the hon. Member's permission to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

The total amount of milk produced in England and Wales during the past two years, exclusive of milk fed to calves and pigs but inclusive of milk manufactured into various products both on and off farms as well as milk consumed in liquid form, has been estimated as follows:—

June to May. Million gallons.
1925–26 … … … 1,135
1926–27 … … … 1,150

As regards the proportions of these quantities which may be classified as officially designated milks, it is estimated that "Certified" "Grade A (T.T.)" and "Grade A" milks constitute approximately 1 per cent. of the milk consumed as liquid milk. No reliable estimate for "Pasteurised" milk is available. The terms "Clean" and "Purified" are not recognised as official designations; they are entirely relative terms and as they signify no definite or absolute standard, the quantities of milk sold under them are unknown.