§ 5. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much the home production of cheese and butter has increased in the last two years; and what percentage of our total consumption is now met by home production.
Mr. AmoryHome production of cheese was 29 per cent. less in 1955 than in 1953, a record production year. Creamery butter production was 17 per cent. more in 1955 than in 1953. In 1955, home production of cheese represented 29 per cent. of our total consumption and of creamery butter 5 per cent.
§ Sir I. FraserIn view of the fact that we in Britain make some of the best cheeses in the world, and that we have milk to spare, will my right hon. Friend look with a fresh mind at the whole question whether Britain cannot make more of her own cheeses herself?
Mr. AmoryI agree with my hon. Friend that our speciality cheeses are worthy of a still higher level of consumption, and I am very anxious to do every-thing that I can to popularise them. I am glad to say that the consumption of them is going up. My hon. Friend will be aware, of course, that milk is supplied to the cheese manufacturers, as to other manufacturers, at a price considerably lower than the normal full price.
§ Sir I. FraserMay I ask my right hon. Friend if that low price for milk also 1249 applies to the individual farmers who make cheeses?