§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of imported liquid milk is sold in such form in each of the regions of England as well as in Wales and Scotland; what is the main Common Market source of the liquid milk so consumed; and whether there are any other sources.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithSince the public health regulations applying within Great Britain prevent the sale of imported pre-packed milk, the question of a regional break down of supplies from the Community or other sources does not arise.
§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the percentage rise in the price of liquid milk paid to farmers since December 1979.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe prices paid to farmers for their milk are determined by the Milk Marketing Board, and take account not only of the returns which the board receive from the liquid market but those from milk used for manufacturing purposes. Since December 1979 we have made increases totalling 20.1 per cent. in the statutory maximum wholesale price for liquid milk in England and Wales.
§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Minister of Agricultur, Fisheries and Food whether it is his policy to relate the price of liquid milk to the need for farmers to gain a fair return on capital invested.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIn reaching decisions on the statutory maximum prices for liquid milk, we have taken into account a range of considerations, including the profitability of milk production, the actual return which dairy farmers receive does, however, depend upon a 391W number of other factors, including the prices which the Milk Marketing Board obtains for milk used for manufacturing purposes.