Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial help he is giving to dairy farmers to compensate for the low price of milk; and if he will make a statement. [96608]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 1 November 1999]: The EU dairy regime provides substantial support to UK dairy farmers but EU rules do not allow member states to provide support to compensate for the low price of milk. However, as part of the aid package announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister on 20 September, the deferral of the proposed £7 per animal cattle passport charges until April 2002, at the earliest, will help dairy farmers.