Milk Producers

HC Deb 14 March 1985 vol 75 cc267-8W

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether the Government considered a levy on milk producers to help finance the payment of compensation for farmers agreeing to give up milk production;

(2) what proposals the Government will put forward in the European Economic Community to ensure that farmers who continue to produce milk do not profit as a result of the introduction of quotas.

Mr. MacGregor

At a time when dairy farmers are having to accept the restraints involved in cutting milk

	England	Northamptonshire
	Holdings	Breeding ewes	Holdings	Breeding ewes
1980	40,691	6,544,829	891	147,263
1981	40,850	6,699,350	896	150,555
1982	41,537	6,921,372	887	153,171
1983	42,266	7,163,838	897	158,010
1984	42,541	7,261,917	909	160,825

production to bring it closer to demand, I do not think that the action suggested by the hon. Member would be appropriate.