§ 1. Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the current level of returns to dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Cledwyn Hughes)The level of returns to milk producers is a matter for the Farm Price Review, at which all the relevant factors are taken into account.
§ Mr. MonroWill not the Minister agree that the modest increase given at the Price Review has been entirely swallowed up by rising costs this summer; and that dairy farmers are going through a very difficult lime at this moment?
§ Mr. HughesMilk production has been running high this year, as the hon. Member knows, and there are good prospects of a recovery in prices during the winter. A prediction I can make is that average prices for the year April-March should be about the same as last year.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs it not true that some of these dairy farmers are passing through a very difficult time because they are having to pay too much rent?
§ Mr. HughesIf my hon. Friend will put down a Question to me on that aspect, I shall be glad to answer.