§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) whether he will introduce legislation to allow his Department to purchase milk quota which comes on the market for redistribution to new milk producers and young farmers in Wales; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he will introduce legislation to prevent loss of milk production to Wales through sales of milk quota.
§ Mr. Peter Walker[holding answers 19 January 1988]: No.
§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the implementation in Wales of the European Commission's 435 million ecu scheme to meet management costs of dealing with extra beef during the two years following the implementation of further milk quota cuts, agreed by the Council of Agriculture Ministers in December 1986.
§ Mr. Peter Walker[holding answer 19 January 1988]: The Commission recognised that measures taken in the milk sector would have an impact on beef producers. 435 million ecu was its estimate of extra expenditure on aids for private storage and export refunds which would arise in 1987 and 1988 as a result of the extra cow beef coming onto the market. The level of refund and the introduction of private storage schemes are decided by management committee, but we are ready to press the Commission to ensure that the market is supported if there is any undue weakness.