HC Deb 28 January 2004 vol 417 c389W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to meet representatives of supermarkets to discuss United Kingdom dairy farming. [149938]

Alun Michael

The Secretary of State has had no formal meetings with representatives of supermarkets to discuss milk prices. However, retailers are represented on the Dairy Supply Chain Forum chaired by my noble Friend Lord Whitty, which has been looking at collaborative solutions to improve supply chain efficiency, as well as other issues. Retailers are also represented in the Dairy Supply Chain Forum's Industry Development's Cap Reform Sub-Groups which aim to facilitate the long term sustainable development of the dairy supply chain and help it adjust to the new environment created by the reformed CAP.