§ 22. Mr. Boscawenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he intends to take to alleviate the difficulties of dairy farmers due to rising production costs.
§ 25. Mr. Terry Davisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking as a result of the representations which he has received from the National Farmers' Union about increased costs of farming.
§ Mr. GodberI would refer hon. Members to my reply of 16th October to the hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Alfred Morris)-[Vol. 861, c. 94–96.]
§ 36. Mr. Rostasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether 463W he will give urgent assistance to dairy farmers in Derbyshire by increasing the payment for milk, in view of the rising cost of feed.
§ Mr. GodberAs I made clear in my statement on 8th October, action will have to await the outcome of the annual review. During the discussions on this which are being brought forward the problems of dairy producers in all parts of the country will be carefully considered.
§ 48. Mr. Fortescueasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has made to the European Commission with respect to the proposal that dairy farmers should pay a levy on milk delivered to collecting stations.
§ Mr. GodberWe had a preliminary discussion of the Commission's proposals at this week's meeting of the Council of Ministers, during which I indicated that the proposed levy on milk delivered to dairies was unacceptable in its present form. On the other hand I said that the proposal for some form of levy on milk products going into intervention might have some merit.