§ 53. Mr. StrangTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received 731W about the loss of cheese-making capacity in the United Kingdom as a result of the European Commission milk quotas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have received no such representations. The shortage of milk for cheese production last autumn was in large part the result of a greater than usual seasonal reduction in milk production. The answer to this problem is not to increase milk quotas, since the Community is not short of milk, but rather to encourage a more even supply of milk throughout the year.