§ 1. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement regarding the future level of home cheese production and of cheese imports from the Dominions.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare)Ample supplies of cheese are likely to be available. The precise quantities will depend on the assessment of market prospects in this country by home manufacturers and those in the exporting countries, having 1224 regard to the supplies of milk available for manufacture.
§ Mr. CollinsI was rather hoping the right hon. Gentleman would signalise his first answer at the Box in his new capacity with a sensible reply. Is he aware that the present wholesale price of best English Cheddar is 1s. 2d. to 1s. 3d. per lb. and Dominion prices are even lower? Both are well below the cost of production and distribution, and a continuance of this situation will be disastrous alike to farmers and housewives. Will he consider the matter and let us know what plans his Department has for dealing with the situation?
§ Mr. HareNaturally, I will consider anything the hon. Member or any hon. Member has to put to me. Meanwhile, I hope he will join with me in exhorting people to eat more cheese. There is plenty of it, many varieties, and it is very good for them.