§ 23. Mr. Brewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, whether he is satisfied with the present level of butter and cheese production; and what steps he will take to increase it with a view to saving imports.
§ Mr. PeartThe amount of butter and cheese produced at home is largely determined by the quantity of milk available for manufacture after meeting the needs of the liquid market. The level of milk production is a matter for consideration at the next Price Review which the hon. Member will not expect me to anticipate.
§ Mr. BrewisIs the Minister aware that many creameries are operating at about 50 per cent. of capacity? Has he noticed that as the production of butter and cheese in this country goes down the price of imported butter and cheese tends to rise, to the great disadvantage of people in this country?
§ Mr. SoamesWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is thinking of 1265 take steps to increase the level of butter and cheese production? This has nothing to do with the Review; it is merely a matter of the guaranteed price for milk. Is he intending to increase the level of production and, if so, to what level?
§ Mr. PeartAs the right hon. Gentleman will know, the level of milk production is a matter for consideration at the Annual Price Review. The distribution of supplies is the concern of the Milk Marketing Boards.