§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he proposes to introduce a voluntary cut-back in large dairy-herds involving slaughtering of surplus dairy cows and compensation for farmers.
§ Mr. Chris PattenNo. However on 25 May 1984 c. 559–560 my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced an outgoers scheme under which compensation may be paid to farmers who wish to give up milk production.
§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ensure that dairy farmers who have 97W embarked on planned herd development schemes approved by the Department of Agriculture will have such quotas allocated as will permit recoupment of capital invested.
§ Mr. Chris PattenSome of the reserve provided for in the Community regulations will be made available for producers who have invested in increased milk output but it remains uncertain to what extent their planned increased in output can be covered.