§ 38. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the amount of butter consumed has increased in the past two years; how much of this increase has been provided by home production; and to what extent butter produced here carries a Government subsidy.
§ Mr. John HareButter consumption was 68,000 tons more in 1957 than in 1955, an increase of about 21 per cent. Home production increased by 19,000 tons over the two years. There is no direct subsidy on butter.
§ Mr. HurdCan my right hon. Friend forecast what the course of butter production at home is likely to be in the present year?
§ Mr. HareI should like notice of that question, but I will certainly look into the matter to see if I can give my hon. Friend an answer.
§ Mr. HastingsMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to be very careful not to discourage butter production in this country, seeing that it is such a valuable food, particularly for young people?