HC Deb 01 August 1940 vol 363 cc1426-7W
Sir R. Blair

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what have been the percentage increases in home-produced soft and hard cheeses during the recorded period available for the last 12 months 1939–40, as compared with the same period 1938–39; and whether he has thought out in advance plans for increasing further the home production of this essential food before it is too late in the season?

Mr. Boothby

In the twelve months ended on 30th June, 1940, there was a decline of 7.6 per cent. in the quantity of hard cheese and 22 per cent. in the quantity of soft cheese made in Great Britain in comparison with that made in the twelve months ended on 30th June, 1939. The gallonage of milk used for soft cheese-making, however, only represents just over 1 per cent. of the total quantity used for cheese manufacture. The utilisation of milk available for manufacture is kept under constant review in relation to national needs. Cheese has been given a high degree of priority, and appreciable quantities of milk which would normally have been converted into other products are being transferred to cheese manufacture.