HC Deb 25 February 1952 vol 496 cc695-6
29. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Food what was the total home production of milk in the years 1950 and 1951, respectively.

Major Lloyd George

Gross production of milk in the United Kingdom in the years 1950 and 1951 was 2,239 million gallons, and 2,152 million gallons respectively. Of this, 356 million gallons were retained on farms in 1950, and 360 million gallons in 1951.

Mr. Crouch

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend assure us that he will try as soon as possible to stop this serious decline in our milk production?

Major Lloyd George

Yes, certainly; but I would point out that the decline in the first five months of last year was almost entirely owing to the bad weather.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's reply mean that there is a possibility of milk having to be rationed this summer?

Major Lloyd George

I certainly hope not.