§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the future economic viability of the dairy industry in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement. [148697]
§ Alun MichaelLow farmgate prices for milk have caused considerable problems over the last few years and the dairy sector faces considerable problems in adjusting to the new conditions that will be created by a reformed common agricultural policy. The Government recognise these difficulties, but believe that the UK dairy sector has a sustainable future and will work alongside the industry to facilitate and support its development in248W has been made of the relationship between the size of the bumble bee population and the size of the badger population in England. [150942]
§ Mr. BradshawBadgers are known to excavate and eat the nests of bumble bees and have the potential to exert an influence on the abundance of the bees locally.
The Department has not commissioned any studies to assess the relationship between the abundance of badgers and bumble bees, nor are we aware of any research specifically examining this topic.