Dairy Industry (Hansard, 30 October 1980)

§ 10. Mr. Knox
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the prospects for the dairy industry.

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
I believe that the structure and efficiency of our dairy industry continue to provide a sound basis for its future.

§ Mr. Knox
Is my hon. Friend aware that the costs of dairy farmers in my constituency are rising faster than the prices that they receive, and that they are worried about the future?

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
Yes, we are aware of the difficulties facing dairy farmers. I remind my hon. Friend that during the last year, in relation to retail prices and in other ways, we have done our best to try to maintain incomes.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell
Since the Department has a general responsibility for agricultural policy in this country, will the Government bear particularly in mind the differential effect upon dairy farmers of current EEC and other policies in this industry?

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
Yes, we bear that in mind. My right hon. Friend discusses it frequently with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I had informal discussions with representatives of the Northern Ireland Farmers Union this week, and that was one topic raised by it.

§ Mr. Pollock
Is the Minister aware that production in the area covered by the North of Scotland Milk Marketing Board was 7.2 per cent. lower in August this year than it was in August last year? Does he accept that, unless there is a significant increase in the retail price of milk soon, production will fall even further?

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
One must bear in mind the needs of the consumer as well as the producer if our milk is to be sold. I am conscious that in certain areas and on particular types of farm there has been a decline in production, but the pattern is not even throughout the country. In England and Wales there will probably be a slight increase in the production of milk.

§ Mr. Pavitt
Is the Minister aware that it would be unacceptable to the British housewife if the Common Market were to force the pint of milk off the doorstep? Will he please take definite action? Is he aware that the issue affects the employment of thousands of distributive milkmen, who are threatened with being thrown out of work? Does he accept that the farm support schemes are based on milk being at the centre of the arrangements? Does he accept also that if milk production deteriorates the price of every other product that the housewife buys will increase?

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
I endorse the value to the British housewife of the door-to-door delivery of milk, not only in terms of producing a high quality foodstuff on a daily basis, but for all the side benefits—not least the social ones. I ask the hon. Gentleman not to spread scare stories. Nothing has come from the Communiy that threatens the door-to-door delivery. I assure him that we shall do everything possible to maintain the essential door-to-door service to the British housewife and consumer.