§ Mr. Porrittasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the recent reduction in milk supplies available for the manufacturers of Lancashire cheese has necessitated a rise in the price of the cheeses, because none of the makers concerned are able to operate at full capacity and are therefore faced with high overhead costs; and whether steps can be taken to safeguard this industry?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI appreciate that a reduction of factory output must be accompanied by some increase in production costs. Prices of first quality un-graded Lancashire cheese at Preston cheese fair rose by 35s. per cwt. between January and September, 1937, although during this period no supplies of milk were diverted by the Milk Marketing Board from the industry. During October and November, when the plan of allocation was in operation, prices rose by a further 11s. 6d. per cwt. With regard to the last part of the question, the primary cause of the reduction in the intake of cheese factories is the fact that much less milk is available for manufacture, and I regret that there is no action that I can usefully take in the matter.
§ Mr. Porrittasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Lancashire cheese makers offered on 12th October last to negotiate with the Milk Marketing Board with regard to milk 42W supplies, but were informed that the contracts were already fixed for a year until 30th September, 1938; and whether he can arrange for this matter to be reviewed at the earliest possible opportunity, in view of the fact that, if present conditions continue during the year, the Lancashire cheese industry will be seriously affected?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI have no precise information regarding the first part of the question, although I am aware that the Lancashire cheese makers have approached the Milk Marketing Board on this subject. In reply to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to-day to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter).
§ Major Carverasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the impossibility of manufacturing cheese in Great Britain on a satisfactory commercial basis when the supplies of milk necessary to such manufacture vary as widely as has been the case during the past two years, he will review the whole situation with a view to ensuring regular supplies of milk for this purpose?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to other answers given on this subject to-day.