§ 40. Sir PERCY HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state what steps he is taking to safeguard the operation of the milk marketing scheme, in view of the prospect that in the early summer about one-half of the milk output of this country will have to be sold at manufacturing prices with serious loss to the producers; and whether the Government will now announce their intention to restrict imports sufficiently to restore a remunerative price for butter, cheese, and other milk products manufactured in this country?
§ Mr. ELLIOTAs regards imports of butter and cheese, I am not in a position to add to the replies which I gave on 27th November.
1822 As regards imports of other processed milks, my hon. Friend will be aware that such imports have been regulated by voluntary agreement since June last. Proposals for regulation during the first quarter of next year are being communicated to the exporting countries concerned and the Markets Supply Committee will in due course be asked to advise as to the steps which ought in their opinion to be taken to regulate imports of those products after March next.
§ Sir P. HURDIs the right hon. Gentleman fully informed of the seriousness with which the Marketing Board regards the position that will arise next spring; and, in view of the necessity of planning ahead in the industry, can he intimate that some early announcement will be made of the Government's intentions?
§ Mr. ELLIOTYes, Sir, I am fully aware of the seriousness with which the Milk Board regards the question, and I had an opportunity of discussing it personally with them before meeting members of this House.
§ Sir P. HURDMay we expect an early announcement?
§ Mr. COCKSWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us how long it will be before we can get a really good prospect of scarcity?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe question of avoiding a scarcity is a question of avoiding the collapse of the milk market, which would cause a scarcity of liquid milk.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the prohibition of the importation of skimmed condensed milk, the consumption of which is prohibited in practically every civilised country, except our own?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have given in my answer an indication that we are dealing with that question of condensed skimmed milk, but I would point out that there is a large manufacture of it in this country, which I desire to see extended, and therefore I would be opposed to prohibiting it.