HC Deb 22 March 1971 vol 814 c66W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much the consumption of liquid milk is expected to fall as a result of the withdrawal of subsidies for welfare milk.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

In determining the United Kingdom standard quantity for milk for 1971–72, we estimated that the net effect of the changes in the welfare milk scheme in the calendar year 1971 would be a fall of 18 million gallons in liquid milk consumption.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what increase in milk production he estimates will take place as a result of the 1971 Annual Review.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

No significant change in dairy cow numbers is expected by June, 1971: but the increase of 2.5p a gallon in the guaranteed price for milk and the prospect of firm markets for milk for manufacture should encourage a resumption in the expansion of dairy cow numbers. The trend in average milk yields per cow is still upwards.