§ 52. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Food if he will state the quantity and 1024 value of the Danish blue, Rocquefort and Gorgonzola cheese to be imported this year; and the quantity and value of the Stilton cheese which he will permit to be made here this year.
§ Mr. StracheyThe total quantity of Danish blue, Rocquefort and Gorgonzola cheese to be imported this year is estimated at 8,500 tons, and the total cost at about £2,400,000 f.o.b. Home production of Stilton cheese is estimated at about 400 tons over the year, and the value, based on the manufacturers' selling prices, at about £200,000.
§ Mr. HurdWill the right hon. Gentle-give us an assurance that he will allow home producers of this specialist cheese a fair crack of the whip as compared with the Frenchmen making Rocquefort and other cheeses?
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir. At the moment we are allowing the manufacturers of Stilton cheese all the milk they can take, but that is, of course, while milk is plentiful. We could not allow them unlimited supplies during the scarce season during the winter.
§ Major BeamishIs not this great and welcome variety of cheese which is now allowed a most disgraceful pandering to individual tastes?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir, it is a most sensible and reasonable provision.