HC Deb 16 July 1984 vol 64 c27W
17. Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Wales, how many letters he has received during the past three months about the effects the Government's agreement with the European Economic Community on milk quotas is likely to have on agriculture and ancillary industries in Wales.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

I have received some 280 letters during the past three months about the effects of the milk quota scheme; most referred to individual hardship cases.

18. Mr. Alex Carlile

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has any proposals for the alleviation of hardship in the specialist dairy rearing sector of Welsh farming arising from the introduction of new dairy quotas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

There are no specific proposals to alleviate any effects of the introduction of milk quotas on the specialist dairy rearing sector in Wales. The reserve set aside for hardship cases and the outgoers scheme will all help to ameliorate the effects of the milk quota scheme. The effect on the specialist dairy rearing sector cannot be forecast and will depend upon individual management decisions throughout the industry.

Sir Raymond Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what special advice and assistance will be available in his Department for Welsh farmers affected by the milk quota changes who seek to develop or increase alternative agricultural production.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

The services of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service are always available and I encourage farmers to consult them before deciding on any major changes.

Sir Raymond Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recent consultation he has had, in relation to the milk quota changes, with farmers' unions, and with milk producers' organisations; and what is his latest assessment of the effects of such changes on the agricultural industry in Wales.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

I am in regular contact with the farming unions and the dairy industry. The effects of the milk quota scheme on the agricultural industry in Wales will depend on a large number of individual management decisions which cannot be forecast.