§ Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what indications there are of a further fall in milk production and consequent shortages for the consuming public.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartSales of milk off farms in the nine months ended 31st December 1973 are estimated to be 2,275 million gallons compared with 2,255 million gallons in the same period of 1972. However, production in the last four months has been below that of a year ago and production for the year ending 31st March 1974 is expected to be slightly lower than in the previous year. The quantity of milk required for the liquid market in the nine months to 31st December 1973 was about 1,246 million gallons compared with production266W of 2,275 million gallons in the same period, so there is no shortage of milk for liquid consumption.