HC Deb 07 March 1938 vol 332 cc1523-4
44. Mr. Hepworth

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the shortage of milk for manufacture has produced any decrease of cheese making in Yorkshire and Lancashire; and whether the present policy of the Milk Marketing Board is to discourage any development of this branch of activity in this country?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The decline in the total quantity of milk available for manufacture this winter, coupled with the system of allocating supplies to the more remunerative markets, has resulted in a decrease in the quantity of milk available for manufacture into cheese in the country generally, but I have no information as to the extent of the reduction in the case of Yorkshire and Lancashire cheese in particular. Further supplies are, however, now becoming available for cheese making as a result of the seasonal increase in the quantities of milk which are coming forward under the Milk Marketing Scheme. As to the last part of the question, I understand that it is not the policy of the Milk Marketing Board to discourage cheese production.

Mr. Macquisten

Is not that the result of their activities?