§ Mr. Geraint HowellsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the present state of the dairy industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryIn 1988–89 dairy farming was the most profitable sector of agriculture in the United Kingdom. More recently dairy incomes have been under pressure as a result of rising costs at a time of lower prices for calves and static milk prices. The problems of structural surplus are again apparent and it is clear that the Community milk regime needs to give greater weight to market forces. Furthermore, I remain of the view that both United Kingdom dairy farmers and the dairy industry generally would benefit from a move away from the present statutory milk marketing arrangements towards a more competitive system.