HC Deb 23 March 1971 vol 814 cc72-3W
40. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food how the price of milk paid to the dairy farmer for 1971 compares with the prices paid in the years 1964 to 1970.

49. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what percentage milk farmers' takings will increase as a result of the 1971 Price Review; and in what previous year a similar percentage increase was granted.

Mr. Prior

The net average price paid to wholesale milk producers in the United Kingdom is forecast to be 1.3p a gallon higher in 1970–71 than in 1969–70. Over the period 1964–65 to 1969–70 it increased by 0.8p a gallon.

As a result of the increase in the guaranteed price for milk for 1971–72 and after allowing for a fall in the standard quantity, the net average price paid to wholesale milk producers in 1971–72 is estimated to rise by a further 1.1p a gallon. There will also be some additional benefit from an expected increase in the price which the Milk Marketing Boards receive for milk for manufacture.

The net average price paid to wholesale producers in the United Kingdom was:

per gallon
Year ending 30th March, 1964–65 15.6
Year ending 30th March, 1965–66 15.7
Year ending 30th March, 1966–67 16.2
Year ending 30th March, 1967–68 16.4
Year ending 30th March, 1968–69 16.5
Year ending 30th March, 1969–70 16.4
Year ending 30th March, 1970–71 (estimate) 17.7