§ 64. Sir J. Leechasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to reduce the imported cheese consumption in Great Britain which continues at a high percentage notwithstanding the efforts of the manufacturing branch of the milk trade, and the cheese weeks organised by the publicity council, in addition to the instruction in the making of cheese given through his Department; and can he say what is the reason for imported cheeses being preferred?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)Although imported cheese continues to represent a large proportion of the total cheese consumed in this country, the tendency in recent years has been towards an increase in the consumption of home-produced cheese at the expense of imported. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the manufacture of cheese provides one of the less remunerative outlets for milk and the Government's policy aims at increasing the consumption of liquid milk and thus reducing the proportion that has to be manufactured. As regards the last part of the question preference is, I assume, determined by such factors as taste, quality, price and availability. The fact that higher prices are realised for home-produced farmhouse cheese than for imported varieties seems to indicate a preference for the home product.
§ Mr. W. RobertsIs it not a fact that go per cent. of the imported cheese comes from Dominion sources?
§ Mr. MorrisonI know that the Dominions are the largest suppliers. I could give the exact percentage if the hon. Member puts down a question.