HC Deb 26 February 1951 vol 484 c1733
28. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Food what quantity of dried milk has been exported for the years 1949 and 1950; and where it has been sent.

Mr. Webb

Twelve thousand five hundred and forty-seven cwt. in 1949 and 31,702 cwt. in 1950. It has gone to 41 countries within the Commonwealth and to 44 other countries. I am sending the hon. Member a full list.

Mr. Crouch

Would it not have been wiser to retain this milk at home instead of importing from the Colonies milk which we are selling in our own shops?

Mr. Webb

It has been a very useful export. Thanks to the efforts of our own farmers, we are getting far beyond the target set for two years ahead and have a surplus of milk, and it is a very valuable way of disposing of that surplus to our profit.

Mr. David Renton

Could not this surplus have been better used to give the people of this country more cheese and thereby more protein food to make up for the shortage of meat?

Mr. Webb

It is open to all private manufacturers of cheese to take advantage of the available milk to turn out cheese. Here is a chance for private enterprise.