§ 20. Mr. Brewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the British market for butter was met from home production in 1962, 1963, and 1964, respectively: and 1442 at what proportion it is his policy to aim.
§ Mr. Hoy12.8 per cent. of total new butter supplies came from home production in 1962; 9.4 per cent in 1963; and 4.8 per cent. in 1964. We do not allocate milk among the various manufacturing uses; this is a function of the milk marketing boards who sell milk surplus to the liquid market at the best prices they can get.
§ Mr. BrewisIn view of these disturbing figures, would it not be better policy to follow the example of, say, the United States and to buy home production, which costs no more than 50 per cent. of the price of the imported product, particularly as so many of the countries which send us butter already have a favourable trade balance and also subsidise their agriculture?
§ Mr. HoyThe argument about subsidies is often used. The hon. Member asked me for figures for the three years from 1962 to 1964 and I have given them. I do not want to make more of the position except to say that there has been a slight increase in the first four months of this year as against last year and that this trend might possibly continue.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsWhat percentage or proportion of imports is it the Government's policy to have in the coming year?
§ Mr. HoyThere is no fixed proportion. As the hon. Member knows, it depends upon how the Milk Marketing Board wants to dispose of its milk. As my right hon. Friend the Minister has said twice this afternoon, this can have a repercussion on the small milk producer.