Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Food whether he will supply the latest figures as to the home production, import, and estimated consumption of cheese in this country; and whether steps will be taken to increase the production of cheese and to keep its price to a level sufficiently low to enable it to be fully taken advantage of by the poorest sections of the population?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe publication of official statistics on agricultural products is governed by considerations of the national interest, and it is not considered advisable to release separate figures on home production and imports of cheese. The consumption of cheese in 1939 is estimated at approximately 185,000 tons or about the normal level. With regard to the second part of the Question, I am fully aware of the importance of cheese in the diet of the population. Steps have already been taken to ensure that prices are kept at a reasonable level and the matter is under constant review.