§ 38. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of low returns forecast for milk producers up to the end of March 1973, he will now consider making a further award.
§ Mr. BuchanI would draw attention to what my right hon. Friend said in the debate on 26th June. I recognise that milk producers' main concern is the level of profitability they can expect for the year as a whole. It is not possible at this stage to predict developments, particularly in relation to feed costs. But the Government's aim is to expand agricultural production, and we shall do whatever is necessary to ensure that that aim is fulfilled.
§ 45. Mr. Peter Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the comparative figures of milk production for the first five months of 1973 and 1974, respectively; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BuchanTotal sales of milk through Milk Marketing Schemes in the United Kingdom in the period January to May 1973 and 1974 were 1,268 and 1,222 million gallons respectively; a drop of 3.6 per cent. Most of the reduction occurred in the first three months and was due to a cut-back in levels of feeding and a consequent fall in yields.