HC Deb 02 February 1981 vol 998 cc22-3W
Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he will take to improve the returns of dairy farmers in the Province.

Mr. Adam Butler

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State, together with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, met the president and office-bearers of the Ulster Farmers Union on Thursday 15 January. Consideration is currently being given to the representations made by them on behalf of producers of all agricultural products.

Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the special aid to Northern Ireland dairy farmers has not been paid to them for last year.

Mr. Adam Butler

It was not possible to continue the special aid to dairy farmers in 1980–81 because there were other demands on public expenditure resources which merited a higher priority.