§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated effect upon the liquid consumption of milk of the proposed increase in the retail price of 1p per pint.
§ Mr. BishopIt is estimated that the increase of 1p per pint in the retail price from 2nd March could reduce consumption in 1975–76 by around 20 million gallons.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to prolong the arrangement whereby the United Kingdom maintains a single standard of retail fresh milk supply of known quality.
§ Mr. BishopI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to his Question on 18th February.—[Vol. 886, c. 346–7.] Liquid milk is sold "as it comes from the cow" subject only to minimum presumptive standards of 3 per cent. butter fat and 8.5 per cent. solids not fat. On 31st December 1975 the arrangements allowing the supply to consumers of whole milk with natural fat content of less than 3.5 per cent. are due to expire. The possible extension of the present arrangements is being considered.