asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the increase in creamery butter production this year; (b) whether he anticipates that native supplies will be adequate to meet home demands and, if not, whether it is intended to import New Zealand butter for the coming season and (c) whether any New Zealand butter has been purchased or any negotiations have taken place with a view to securing it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter Supplies.
Mr. Walsh
(a) Production of creamery butter from 1st January to 15th July, 1953, was approximately 300 cwt. (or less than 0.1 per cent.) greater than in the corresponding period in 1952. From the beginning of the present production season, however, that is, 1st May, 1953, to 15th July, production was approximately 5,700 cwt. or 2.5 per cent. above the figure for the corresponding period of 1952.
(b) It seems possible at present that home production together with existing stocks of imported butter will be sufficient to meet requirements in the present season, but this cannot, of course, yet be stated with certainty.
(c) Supplies of New Zealand butter have not been purchased, but the New Zealand authorities were informed that we may possibly require some later in the season.