§ 58. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is now the intention of the Milk Marketing Board to launch out upon a widespread butter manufacturing policy; how many butter factories will be set up; and whether such a policy meets with his approval?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that it is not their intention to engage upon a widespread butter manufacturing policy, but they are proposing to handle some of the manufacturing milk themselves so as 1083 to ascertain at first hand the costs of processing and manufacture and the net realisation value of such milk. They have in contemplation the erection of two butter factories, and others will be erected if necessary. As to the last part of the question, my approval of the board's policy in this matter is not required.
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have made inquiries, but the board cannot say at the moment whether any additional factories will be required.
§ Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHSIs it the case that no more factories will be required until the Army gets butter instead of margarine?
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSCould my right hon. Friend furnish an estimate of the loss per gallon of milk for each pound of butter that is manufactured, and how many pounds of butter the factories will have to make before they ruin the dairy farmers?
§ Mr. ELLIOTIf my hon. Friend desires fuller information, perhaps he will put down a question, when I will do my best to give him the information.