§ 30. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the milk situation in Scotland, in view of the concern of the farming community about future milk production.
§ Lord John HopeAs forecast in the Government's White Paper on the 1959 Annual Review, milk production has resumed its upward trend following the temporary drop in supplies in 1958–59 due mainly to unfavourable weather. I am glad to say that sales of milk for liquid consumption in Scotland now show a reversal of the downward trend of recent years, but supplies are still substantially in excess of the needs of the liquid market.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware of the dissatisfaction among milk producers about the agreement, by which they cannot sell milk across the Border to England, and can the hon. Gentleman give them any hope that he will take any action to reconsider that arrangement?
§ Lord John HopeI think the hon. Gentleman knows that discussions with representatives of the milk producers are now taking place, and I would prefer not to go into any possibilities at the moment.