HC Deb 11 August 1947 vol 441 cc1903-4
8. Mr. J. L. Williams

asked the Minister of Food the amount of milk output in Great Britain in 1938 and 1946, respectively, and the proportions used in each case for liquid consumption, manufactured foodstuffs and other manufactured goods.

The Minister of Food (Mr. Strachey)

One thousand, two hundred and ten million gallons of milk were sold off farms in Great Britain in 1938 and 1,424 million gallons in 1946. Of these quantities 845 million gallons were used for liquid consumption in 1938 and 1,265 million gallons in 1946. Three hundred and sixty-five million gallons were manufactured into food products in 1938 and 159 million gallons in 1946. No whole milk was used for other manufactured goods but some 8 million gallons of skim milk were used before the war in the manufacture of casein for industrial purposes.

Mr. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the widespread impression that a great proportion of milk is used today to manufacture such articles as buttons and umbrella handles, as in the case of 1938?

Mr. Strachey

I welcome the opportunity of saying that none is used for such purposes.

Major Haughton

Do the figures the Minister has given refer to the quantities used in Great Britain or in the United Kingdom?

Mr. Strachey

I have "Great Britain" on my paper, but I will look into that.