HC Deb 07 December 1984 vol 69 cc283-4W
Mr. Watson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the arrangements made within the European Economic Community for enforcement of the dairy quota scheme.

16. Mr. Colin Shepherd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the European Commission will be able to enforce collection of superlevy on milk production in excess of quota in all member states.

Mr. Jopling

I have repeatedly stressed in the Council of Agriculture Ministers that I regard it as a matter of the highest importance that the milk supplementary levy system should be properly applied and enforced throughout the Community. The Commission has said it is ready to take legal action against any member state which does not apply the system or does not apply it properly. I shall continue to insist that the arrangements must be respected and that the Commission takes its responsibilities.

22. Mr. Latham

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the operation of milk quotas to date.

34. Mr. Maude

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the operation of the milk quota system.

Mr. Jopling

In order to ensure that claims for second quota and exceptional hardship applications can be dealt with as quickly and as fairly as possible, I am trebling the membership of the diary produce quota tribunal. I am continuing to press in Brussels for, greater flexibility between direct sales and wholesale quota. Some 3,270 producers have now been invited to participate in the outgoers scheme. Quota given up by outgoers will be reallocated in due course to small producers and to exceptional hardship cases.

35. Mr. Phillip Oppenheim

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the implementation by the Italian Government of the Community measures on dairy quotas.

Mr. Jopling

Italy has conducted a census of milk producers in order to obtain the necessary information for implementing dairy quotas and has also announced an outgoers' scheme. Italy is not required by EC regulations to make a levy collection till the end of the marketing year. I shall continue to press for every member state to apply the levy according to the rules agreed and welcome the Commission's assurances that it will take legal steps against any member state failing to do so.

38. Mr. Strang

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further representations he has received about the implementation of milk quotas in the European Community; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jopling

I have received many representations from milk producers and others who are anxious to ensure that the milk supplementary levy system is implemented fairly throughout the Community. I have repeatedly stressed, in the Agriculture Council and elsewhere, that I regard this matter as one of the greatest importance. The Commission has said that it intends to open infringement proceedings against any member state which does not apply the system or does not apply it properly. I shall continue to insist that the Commission fully takes its responsibilities in this.