§ Mr. Steenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has as to how the financial provision made by Her Majesty's Government to farmers who wish to give up milk production compares with provision made or proposed in each of the other European Economic Community states; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Jopling[pursuant to the reply, 12 June 1984, c. 435]: I understand two member states, the Federal Republic of Germany and France, have so far said that they intend to provide assistance for producers who wish to give up milk production. The needs and circumstances in the different member states vary considerably and it is not meaningful to draw comparisons solely of the financial provision to be made for this aspect alone.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give increased help to the Milk Marketing Board research and development department to exploit and export new products.
§ Mr. MacGregor[pursuant to his reply, 12 June 1984, c. 436]: The United Kingdom milk industry is already eligible for aid for market research from European Community milk co-responsibility funds. This can benefit the marketing of new products and my Department encourages the industry to take advantage of these arrangements.