§ 19. Sir G. de Freitasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that in each of the last six months the sales of milk were less than in the same month a year ago ; and in what month he expects the sale of milk to be greater than the year before.
§ Mr. BuchanMainly as a result of high feed prices, sales of milk have been running at a lower level than last year. It is not possible to forecast precisely future levels of production.
§ Sir G. de FreitasIs not that very disappointing? Has it not been Government policy not only to make milk production once more profitable but to increase the sales of milk, especially to young people?
§ Mr. BuchanI agree on both counts. Indeed, we have been hearing that consumption will increase, partly because of our subsidy, to the extent that there may be some shortage on the manufactured side. I agree that it is important to get a proper response from the industry and we shall do all we can to ensure that.
§ Mr. HoosonI am bound to say that the hon. Gentleman appears to be excessively complacent. Does he not appreciate that milk production, beef production and pig production are all declining in this country, largely because of the failure of the previous Government, and that although the present Government have had time to review the position they are showing excessive complacency in a critical situation?
§ Mr. BuchanI agree with exactly half of that analysis.
§ Mr. HoosonWhich half?
§ Mr. BuchanThe half in which the hon. and learned Gentleman correctly attributed blame. We are far from being complacent. We have already made two major injections into the industry and we have had innumerable discussions. We have taken a number of rapid decisions, as is admitted by the Opposition and certainly the farming industry. Having inherited problems of the gravity that we found on taking office, we have taken steps quickly. We shall not be panicked, but we have taken initial steps and we 626 shall take further steps if they prove to be necessary.