§ 28. Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give consideration to alleviating the disadvantages of recent European Community decisions on small dairy farmers in Northern Ireland who have maintained stable production for the last five years.
§ Mr. ButlerI am very conscious that many small dairy farmers who have maintained stable production are facing difficulties. The problems are not confined to Northern Ireland. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and my noble Friend Lord Lyell are reviewing the position. The Community scheme to aid the income of small scale milk producers has been extended for a further two years and will provide some direct financial assistance.
§ 33. Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his negotiations concerning the hardship cases among dairy farmers in Northern Ireland; and what compensation he has in mind for those having to sell off their dairy cows.
§ Mr. ButlerThe arrangements for dealing with special cases are still under consideration, but when these have been settled my noble Friend Lord Lyell will write to all Northern Ireland milk producers informing them of the details.
It will be for individual farmers to decide, in order to keep within their quotas, whether to take whatever measures are available to reduce yields or to sell off cows. There are no plans to compensate farmers who choose the latter.