§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes he intends to make to his policy as outlined in his speech to the English butter marketing company on 12th May in the light of the latest departmental report showing that the breeding herd is down by 3.1 per cent. and the dairy herd is down by 2 per cent.; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartNone. Despite a small decline in herd numbers over the past year, favourable weather conditions and heavier feeding have improved the milk yield and United Kingdom production in April was 13.5 per cent. higher than in April 1975. There are signs that the reduction in herd numbers is likely to ease off later this year and milk production is expected to be substantially in excess of last year's levels.