§ 74. Mr. LathamTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the availability of liquid milk to dairies for the production of cheese.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI am aware that there were some difficulties during the seasonal trough this year in meeting the requirements of cheese producers. This is basically a marketing problem and, as such, is a matter for the industry. I have however discussed this question with the Milk Marketing Board for England and Wales which is fully aware of the problem and has sought to minimise it. Earlier this year the industry's joint committee agreed modifications to the milk supply arrangements and more recently the price structure has been adjusted with a view to ensuring adequate supplies for cheese production.