§ Q18. Mr. Sillarsasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about talks he is due to have with the National Farmers' Union about the problems facing the industry due to the high cost of feedstocks; and if he will order an independent inquiry into this problem with a view to producing an autumn farming price review which will provide support to fanning from sources other than the consumer.
§ The Prime MinisterI met the President of the National Farmers' Union on 26th September, and representatives of the three farmers' unions on 15th October. They put to me their case for immediate additional support for dairy farmers. I explained that, while the Government would examine at the next annual review what needed to be done 289W to ensure the continuing expansion of the industry, we saw considerable difficulty about giving further financial help now. I undertook, however, to consider carefully the representations which were put to me, and to reply to Sir Henry Plumb as soon as possible.