§ 6. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent consultations he has had on the possibility of sending part of Great Britain's surplus dairy products, especially milk, to the under-developed countries of the world where malnutrition is widespread.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. W. M. F. Vane)None, Sir. This country is a large importer of dairy products. Milk in excess of current needs for our liquid market is already processed. Assistance by Her Majesty's Government to under-developed countries is made available in the form of grants, loans, technical assistance and educational and training facilities and not by way of contributions in kind.
§ Mr. HamiltonWhile I recognise the substance of the hon. Gentleman's Answer, may I ask whether he is aware that the trend in the country is towards the production of surpluses, particularly of milk? Does he not regard it as highly regrettable that we do not allow this production to be increased so that we are able to make some contribution towards helping millions of our friends in other parts of the world?
Mr. VaneThe hon. Member's Question refers to milk. I think that he is confusing two things—the increase in production beyond the needs of the liquid market and the total need for dairy products. We are still a very long way from meeting all those needs.
§ Mr. PeartIs it not my hon. Friend's case that the Government ought to increase production all round, which has not been done, and then, if there are surpluses, to consider my hon. Friend's suggestion?
Mr. VaneThat goes far beyond the Question. In all these things, costs of production and prices have also to be considered.