HC Deb 20 October 1994 vol 248 cc419-20
12. Mr. Amess

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will meet small farmer; in Basildon to discuss problems of small dairy farms.

Mr. Jack

I am happy to have such a meeting the next time that I am in Basildon.

Mr. Amess

While I welcome the news that my hon. Friend will be visiting my constituency, will he kindly tell me how the new arrangements for marketing milk will benefit small dairy producers in Basildon?

Mr. Jack

I congratulate my hon. Friend on the basis for his question, which is clearly fighting for the safeguarding of the doorstep pinta. I understand that, under the new arrangements, farmers who bottle their own milk will be relieved of having to pay 1.5p a pint in levy to the milk marketing board, which will make those excellent doorstep deliveries so much more competitive under the new regime.

Madam Speaker

Time's up. Questions to the Prime Minister. I call Michael Clapham.

Mr. Skinner

Give him the money.

Madam Speaker

Order.