§ 3. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the increase in milk production in 1967–68, as a result of the Price Review determination.
§ 15. Mr. Moreasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the average producer price in 1967–68, after taking into account the increase in milk production to be achieved under the selective expansion programme.
§ Mr. HoyIt is not possible to make a firm estimate of milk production in 1967–68, but present indications are that there will be some increase over last year. If production increased by, say, 40 million gallons the average net producer price would be about 3s. 4d.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIn view of the number of milk producers that have gone out in the past year, is the Minister really satisfied that the Price Review award will achieve the aim he has outlined? Does he realise that recent imports of dumped dairy produce have done a lot to sap the confidence of producers?
§ Mr. HoyI think that we gave a considerable injection at the last Price Review. That was its purpose. While it may be true that numbers of producers may be going out—and they have been doing so for a considerable number of years—the hon. Member will be as delighted as I am to know that the herd is just about the same.