§ Major Carverasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that if one-half of the present importation of milk products into this country could be manufactured in this country from home-produced milk it would he possible to double the number of dairy cows which we now maintain; and whether in these circumstances, he will consider in the forthcoming milk legislation providing for a very substantial increase in the manufacture of milk products in this country?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithWhile all relevant factors are being considered in connection with the re-examination of the milk problem that is now proceeding, I should point out that in the view of the Government the best hope for the future prosperity of the milk industry in this country lies in an expanding market for milk for liquid consumption rather than for milk for manufacture into milk products. At the same time I am fully aware of the unsatisfactory position which has recently arisen in the market for condensed milk and milk powder, and as I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) on 13th February, a conference of the interests concerned has now been called to discuss the situation.