§ 21. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what investigations he made into the additional costs of milk production in Scotland since 1953 before fixing the recent Price Review.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonThe information on costs of milk production considered at the recent Price Review related to changes in costs in the United Kingdom as a whole during the preceding year up to January, 1956. The figures are based on information obtained from independent agricultural economists at the universities and agricultural colleges and were agreed between the Government and the National Farmers' Unions.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that these researches are not at all approved of by the small farmer and that they continue to look into this matter more in anger than in sorrow? Does the hon. Gentleman not think that it is time he carried out a special investigation into the plight of the small farmers in this matter?
§ Mr. MacphersonThe costs of production of milk by small farmers vary by as much as 100 per cent., some being twice as much as others, and it would be difficult to take all cases of this nature into consideration.