§ 10. Mr. Heathcoat-Amoryasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about permitted variations to the proposed standard milk quota.
§ Mr. JoplingNone other than those raised by hon. Members during the debate on the Agriculture Bill on 17 April. We have however consulted the Country Landowners Association and the National Farmers Union about this issue. We shall be tabling amendments in another place to take account of the comments made. These amendments allow greater flexibility for arbitrators to depart from the standard yield to take account of individual circumstances. Those moves should be especially helpful to farmers on marginal land.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryDoes my right hon. Friend agree that many farmers on difficult land will find it difficult to reach yields of the standard quota? Therefore, will he be sympathetic to representations made on their behalf, even if they depart from the standard quota by less than the 20 per cent. mentioned in the Bill?
§ Mr. JoplingI am glad to be able to say that it is our intention to remove that 20 per cent. restriction so that farmers, especially on more marginal land, can make better use of the arrangements. The impact of that will be to leave a good deal more discretion to the arbitrators.
§ Mr. JohnDo the Government intend to introduce any other amendments to the new clause in another place?
§ Mr. JoplingThis is the most important amendment that we have decided to make, and we shall make any other amendments that we believe to be right in the light of circumstances.