HC Deb 25 November 1974 vol 882 c66W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary or State for Northern Ireland what is the reason for the current shortage of Northern Ireland butter in the Province.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Three factors are involved:

  1. (1) The cut-back in milk production by Northern Ireland dairy farmers. For the year ending March 1975 production is likely to be about 190 million gallons instead of a predicted 205 million gallons.
  2. (2) The demand for milk to be manufactured into products other than butter which bring a better return to producers.
  3. (3) A 3.8 per cent. increase in demand on the liquid market.