HC Deb 09 March 1949 vol 462 cc1182-3
46. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Food what is the subsidy per pound on each kind of English, Scottish and Welsh cheese sold on the ration at 10d.

Mr. Strachey

With permission, I will circulate a table of figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The subsidies range from 2s. 5¾d. to 2s. 0¼d. per lb.

Mr. Keeling

As those figures show that between 70 and 80 per cent. of the total cost of this cheese is being paid by the taxpayer, will the Minister say if there is any real reason why those who prefer British cheese to unripe imported cheddar, commonly called "mousetrap," should not pay for it instead of paying the ridiculous price of 10d.

Mr. Strachey

The hon. Member is suggesting that British cheese should be taken out of the ration——

Mr. Keeling

No.

Mr. Strachey

That would be the effect.

Mr. Keeling

No, the purchaser should pay the full cost of the cheese although buying on the ration.

Mr. Strachey

I do not think that is practicable.

Following is the table:

Subsidies on home produced cheeses (including the subsidy on the liquid milk from which they are made).
per lb.
s. d.
Cheddar … … 2 5¾
Cheshire … … 2 3¾
Lancashire … … 2 3½
Wensleydale … … 2 3
Derby … … 2 2¼
Leicester … … 2 0¼

In the time available it has not been possible to work out the figure for Dunlop cheese, but I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.