HC Deb 01 May 1956 vol 552 c21W
68. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland his estimate of the reduction in profitability in milk production in Scotland likely to result from the operation of the new milk prices; and to what extent the small farmer will be affected.

Mr. J. Stuart

I estimate that the initial effect will be a small reduction in profitability of approximately.½d. per gallon on average or 30s. per cow per year. In the long run I would hope that farmers would be able to reduce their costs particularly by substituting home-grown for imported feeding stuffs. The effect on the income of the small dairy farmer will tend to be less in so far as he does not employ paid labour.