§ 12. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to encourage the production of improved British cheese, especially Cheddar.
Mr. VaneWith the encouragement of the Department, the industry in England and Wales operates grading schemes for both farmhouse and creamery cheese, including Cheddar cheese. Market prices generally reflect the gradings obtained, so that producers already have an incentive to improve the quality of their cheese.
§ Mr. LiptonIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that the higher price ranges of the market are dominated by foreign imported cheeses? When shall we be able to get the good, well-matured British Cheddar which we used to get years ago?
Mr. VaneI think the standards of of British cheeses are steadily rising. Though some people may not think British cheeses compare with some of the imported cheeses, others will say that they are just as good or even better. In the end, there is no accounting for taste.