HC Deb 07 February 1974 vol 868 c369W
48. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many dairy farmers have left the industry in the past month; and how this compares with the same period in the three preceding years.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The latest figures available from the Milk Marketing Board show that the number of registered milk producers in England and Wales dropped between November and December 1973 by 264. This compares with reductions of 388, 293 and 138 for the same period in 1970, 1971 and 1972 respectively.

53. Mr. Tom King

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will include in this year's price review for dairy producers an adjustment system that could allow for rapid and substantial variations in costs of feeding stuffs.

Mr. Godber

These are matters appropriate to the annual review in which I am now involved, and hon. Members will appreciate that I cannot comment on specific suggestions at this stage.