§ 1. Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to improve the financial return of dairy farmers.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Fred Peart)The award for milk at the recent Farm Price Review is equivalent to 1½d. a gallon on the guaranteed price and will increase the financial return of dairy farmers by nearly £14 million. Dairy farmers will also benefit from the higher rates of calf subsidy.
§ Mr. MonroThat is all very well, but does the Minister realise that, with the loss of the fertiliser subsidy and the ploughing grant, dairy farmers will be as badly off as ever?
§ Mr. PeartI am rather surprised that the hon. Gentleman should be so carping as to say, "That is all very well". This award has been welcomed by the producers. The hon. Gentleman should be a little more objective.