§ 20. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Food what has been the production of cheese from the United Kingdom during the years ending 30th September, 1951, 1952 and 1953, respectively.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeForty-five thousand tons, 52,000 tons and 77,000 tons respectively.
§ Mr. CrouchDoes my right hon. and gallant Friend anticipate that next year, when the milk marketing boards return, we shall have an ever-increasing amount of cheese produced at home?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe indications are that we shall, because there has been a rapid rise in milk production during recent years.
§ Mr. ShinwellCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the increased production has been reflected in the price level, and, if so, to what extent?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNo, Sir.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we to understand, then, that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has no information on this subject, and that the law of supply and demand does not operate at all?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe law of supply and demand does operate, but it depends, of course, on the supply, and in this particular case, as the right hon. Gentleman will remember, while home production increased considerably, owing to the monetary situation we had to cut our imports very heavily.