HL Deb 05 June 1984 vol 452 cc614-5WA
Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To clarify the position of producer retailers, producer processors, farmhouse cheese makers and manufacturers on the farm of dairy products, following decisions reached by the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 31st March 1984.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)

Sales by producer retailers, producer processors, farmhouse cheese-makers and other direct sales are dealt with separately under the Community regulations governing the milk supplementary levy and there have been some important details requiring further clarification in Brussels. These matters are being pursued urgently and guidance will be issued as soon as possible.

Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether national schemes to compensate discontinuing dairy producers in other member states of the EEC undermine the agreement reached by the Agriculture Council of Ministers on 31st March 1984.

Lord Belstead

In order to aid restructuring of milk production, the Community regulations on the supplementary levy make provision for member states to grant compensation to producers undertaking to discontinue milk production definitively. National schemes which comply with this aim would therefore not undermine the agreement reached by the Agriculture Council.

Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which other member states of the EEC have introduced schemes to pay compensation to producers undertaking to discontinue milk production definitively; and to specify the scope of these schemes.

Lord Belstead

I understand that the Federal Republic of Germany and France intend to introduce a scheme which will include a premium for the cessation of production. We have received no firm details of the plans of other member states.

Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To clarify the position of "special case" young farmers who set up business after 31st December 1980;

To announce the geographical distribution. powers. and composition of the national and local review bodies to adjudicate on "special cases" in the dairy sector; and

When they propose to introduce a scheme to compensate milk producers who undertake to discontinue milk production; and to specify the scope of the scheme in the United Kingdom.

Lord Belstead

My right honourable friend announced on 25th May 1984 a scheme to compensate producers who undertake to discontinue milk production. We are at present consulting with industry representatives on the measures which will be needed to implement the Community legislation, including arrangements for special cases. Many points remain to be resolved, and we shall be announcing detailed arrangements as soon as possible.