§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many dairy inspectors there are in the United Kingdom; how often dairy inspectors visit each farm to administer the dairy regulations; what is the cost to the farmer of each visit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThere are 21 dairy inspectors in England and Wales. The frequency of inspection visits varies but top quality milk producers whose milk is consistently102W placed in Band A of the Milk Marketing Board's total bacterial count scheme, who have a good history of compliance with milk and dairy regulations and who demonstrated satisfactory on-farm conditions during the most recent visits, will normally be visited every three and a half years. Other producers are visited more frequently depending on the standards they achieve. The present cost to the farmer of each visit is £92, or £71 if he has fewer than 20 cows. The position in Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for the respective Secretaries of State.