Milk (Production and Quality) (Hansard, 11 April 1974)

§ 3. Mr. Pardoe
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his long-term policy relating to the production levels and quality of milk produced on British farms.

§ The Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Norman Buchan):
Our objectives are to encourage the maximum expansion of efficient milk production, as of agricultural production generally, and a continuing improvement in milk quality.

§ Mr. Pardoe
That is a simply splendid aim, but will the hon. Gentleman be a little more oncoming about the way in which he intends to carry it out? Is he aware that milk production and the quality of milk is falling as a result of the impossibility of affording the high prices of foodstuffs? What immediate steps will he take to ensure that the quality and production of milk will rise?

§ Mr. Buchan
As the hon. Gentleman knows, there was a fairly big injection into the milk industry as a result of the last review. As for the livestock industry in general, we ourselves have given it an injection following my right hon. Friend's discussions in Brussels. We are watching the position. We appreciate the hon. Gentleman's point, but there is no indication of a severe fall in quality.

§ Mr. Gwynoro Jones
I accept that my hon. Friend appreciates the major problem, but is he aware that in the last six months milk production declined by 45 million gallons? Will he promise to keep under close and continuous review any major change in the animal feeding stuff situation in the coming months?

§ Mr. Buchan
Yes. As my hon. Friend knows, I have been saying a great deal about this in the last few months. We shall keep the situation under review. The important thing is to see how the trend develops in the spring and summer months.

§ Mr. Peter Mills
Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the further subsidisation of milk has created a serious imbalance 613 between milk for liquid consumption and for cheese making? This, coupled with a cut in production, will mean that there could be a serious shortage of cheese and butter by Christmas. Will the hon. Gentleman accordingly take further steps to see that milk production is increased?

§ Mr. Buchan
As I said, we are keeping the matter under review. I appreciate the point that the hon. Gentleman is making, but I do not expect a shortage of milk for liquid consumption. If there should be a shortage on the manufacturing side, we know the steps which we shall have to take to deal with it.

§ Mr. Bidwell
Does my hon. Friend not agree that as this is a vitally important food, in which we are self-sufficient, it is absolutely criminal to carry on a policy of not providing children with free school milk?

§ Mr. Buchan
That question is not directly one for me; it concerns my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. I think my hon. Friend will agree that the massive subsidy that has been given to milk production in this country, helping primarily, as it does, the less well-off families, is a major step in the direction in which I am sure my hon. Friend wants to go.