§ 49. Sir Joseph Lambasked the Minister of Agriculture whether there has been a reduction in milk production during September and October; and, if so, what are the causes.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. Tom Williams)My right hon. Friend is very glad to have this opportunity of removing a widespread misapprehension on this subject. Supplies of milk in England and Wales during September and October, so far from showing a reduction on the corresponding months of 1943, showed in each case some increase. They were substantially greater than pre-war supplies in those months.
§ Sir J. LambThe Parliamentary Secretary mentioned the figures for England and Wales; can he give the figures with regard to Scotland?
§ Mr. WilliamsI am afraid that the hon. Member will have to put that question to the Secretary of State for Scotland.
Wing-Commander JamesCan the right hon. Gentleman say why the non-priority ration has been reduced, particularly in view of the not very good quality of the forage crop this year?
§ Mr. WilliamsI am afraid that that Question will have to be put to the Minister of Food. I repeat, however, that the output in England and Wales was increased in September and October of this year.