§ Mr. Beggsasked the Prime Minister (1) what, compared with average milk production levels in the first three months of 1983, will be the average percentage reduction in milk output, on the basis of the quotas presently announced in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland;
(2) what will be the effects of the present quota allocations on milk output in each region of the United Kingdom in relation to their respective levels of milk production in the first quarter of 1984.
§ The Prime MinisterSince the level of future production will depend on how individual producers decide to adjust to their individual quotas it is not possible to say what the effect of the quota scheme on milk output will be.
The quotas fix the maximum quantities to which full EC support prices apply. Although milk produced outside quotas will be subject to levy, there is no ban on its production.
§ Mr. Beggsasked the Prime Minister what is the price paid for milk to producers in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland.
§ The Prime MinisterNet prices received by wholesale producers in each of the five milk marketing board areas are set out in tables 109 to 113 of "Dairy Facts and Figures 1983" published by the Federation of United Kingdom Milk Marketing Boards and available in the Library of the House. These tables provide information up to 1982–83: similar information for 1983–84 is not yet available.