§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what assistance he proposes to give to the dairy farmers of Anglesey following the European Economic Community milk quota scheme;
(2) what Government assistance is being given to the dairy sector in each member country of the European Economic Community following the EEC decision on milk production; what such assistance Her Majesty's Government intend to give to the farmers of Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe small producer scheme is being continued for a further two years and there are various Community schemes available for aiding the development of farm enterprises other than milk. In addition, the levy system is being phased in over one year thus reducing its immediate impact, and 2.5 per cent. of the total England and Wales MMB quota is being set aside for special cases. This will allow some additional quota to be made available, for example to producers with development plans, or producers whose production is severely affected by special circumstances such as disease or destruction of buildings or fodder. There are also provisions under directive 72/159 available for producers to retire from farming. It is too early to say whether any further schemes of assistance will be made available to dairy farmers in the Member States of the Community. The Government are currently considering possible schemes to assist dairy producers facing special difficulties as a result of the recent EEC dairy quota arrangements apart from those who may benefit as hardship cases under the special reserve.