§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any proposals for a review of milk quota leasing arrangements for tenant farmers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JoplingThe European Commission has expressed serious doubts about the legality of our quota leasing arrangements. I am trying hard to change its mind on this and I am in direct communication with the Commission on the problem.
§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what literage of milk quota was transferred in the financial year 1986–87 by (a) sale and (b) leasing in England and Wales.
§ Mr. JoplingFor the milk quota year 1986–87 the provisional total volume of quota sold or leased with land was 430 million litres. 199 million litres was temporarily reallocated through the short term leasing scheme operated by the MMB.
§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to put the leasing system for milk quotas back into operation.
§ Mr. JoplingThe European Commission has expressed serious doubts about the legality of our quita leasing arrangements. I am trying hard to change its mind on this and am in direct communication with the Commission on the problem.