HC Deb 23 March 1979 vol 964 c164W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the average size of dairy herds; and what proportion of dairy farmers would pay the proposed levy in the United Kingdom and in the rest of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Bishop

The average size of the dairy herds is about 46 cows in the United Kingdom and about 12 cows in the rest of the EEC. On the basis of information given by the Commission, it is estimated that the proposed co-responsibility levy would be paid by about 93 per cent. of dairy farmers in the United Kingdom and by about 71 per cent. of dairy farmers in the rest of the EEC.