§ Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of
70W1959, which is the latest date to which complete figures are available.
the shortage of butter and cheese, if he will make a statement on the present position with regard to supplies; what are the prospects in this connection during the next few months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareRegarding butter, may I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Members for Brixton (Mr. Lipton) and Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd) on Monday, 9th November. Drought conditions similarly affected cheese production in the United Kingdom, but increased supplies have come from Australia and Canada. There is some prospect that increased production, both at home and in New Zealand, where the new season has opened well, will show some improvement in supplies in the New Year.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reply he has sent to the official suggestion by the Canadian Government that they should send supplies of Canadian butter to the United Kingdom to relieve the shortage here; what protests he has received from other suppliers about this proposed action; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareWe have told the Canadian Government that we should be glad to have supplies of butter from Canada, in view of the present shortage. I have received no protests from other suppliers.