§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to abolish the European Economic Community milk levy which costs farmers some £20 per cow annually or, alternatively, negotiate to produce a variable levy rather than the present flat-rate levy.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI have frequently argued in the Council of Ministers that the flat-rate co-responsibility levy should be replaced by measures which act directly on those who are adding to the Community milk surplus. I shall continue to seek reforms which do not discriminate against United Kingdom producers.