§ 4. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the price per gallon currently paid to Dorset farmers for milk; and whether he will increase it.
§ 56. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the price now being paid for milk to farmers in Wales; and whether he will increase the price.
§ Mr. HoyThe price payable to Dorset milk producers for June is 27.86d. per gallon. For producers in North Wales, it is 27.65d.; in South Wales, 27.61d.; and in Monmouthshire, 27.94d. The prescription of regional monthly producers' prices is a matter for the Milk Marketing Board.
§ Mr. KingWill the hon. Gentleman use his influence to see that this price is increased? Is it not a fact that 40 per cent. of the small farmers earn less than £12 a week and that although a 1d. or 2d. on a gallon would make an immense difference 1562 to farmers, the difference in the cost of living would be only marginal?
§ Mr. HoyWe want to encourage farmers, and these figures show that they are getting a full 1d. extra, but these prices are fixed for areas by the Milk Marketing Board. I think that the hon. Member would be resentful if the Government attempted to interfere with that procedure.
§ Mr. Wingfield DigbyIs the Minister aware that in Dorset, this traditional dairy county, at these prices dairies are still closing, particularly those associated with small farmers?
§ Mr. GowerOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I have been here all the time and Question No. 56 is in my name.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am very sorry, but I still find it desirable to maintain the rule I laid down until the House discusses this problem of Questions.