§ 18. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied about the level of future supplies of cheese and butter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartOn present forecasts, the United Kingdom market should be better supplied with butter and cheese during the next 12 months than over the past two years.
§ Mr. MartenAs 60 per cent. of our butter and, I think, 95 per cent. of our cheese is imported, will the Minister consider giving a larger share of this market to the home producer?
§ Mr. PeartAs I explained in answer to a previous Question, there are difficulties in the question of price about whether home producers can compete economically. That is an important aspect and I have had to bear it in mind in relation to the total milk production and how much is used for manufacturing purposes. In view of the price for manufactured products which is offered to the producer, the small producer could well be placed in great difficulty. That is one factor. Again, we have to bear in mind our international obligations, which were entered into by my predecessor.