§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any evidence of reductions in the value of dairy cattle due to the introduction of quotas and the application of the milk supplementary levy (outgoers) scheme.
§ Mr. John MacKayNo figures are available relating to the value of dairy cattle. Between 1 April and 31 October 1984, the price of all cast cows sold liveweight in Scotland was on average 9 per cent, lower than in the corresponding period of 1983. While the introduction of milk quotas will undoubtedly have had an effect on these prices, there are other factors which affect them, such as the export demand for cow beef, which has fallen off in this period.
No producer has yet ceased dairying under the milk supplementary levy (outgoers) scheme which, in any event, does not require a beneficiary actually to dispose of his herd.