§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has made at EC deliberations to have direct income aids made available to small dairy farmers attempting to remain in this category of farming.
§ Mr. MacGregorWhen the Council agreed on measures for the introduction of milk quotas in 1984 it agreed at the same time to the continuation for two years of the Community scheme to aid small milk producers. Under this scheme in the United Kingdom payments of £209.20 were made in December 1984 to individual producers delivering less than 200,000 litres in 1983. Under the existing provisions further payments will become due in the 1985–86 marketing year.
§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up a departmental working party as to the future profitable use of land taken out of dairy production by the milk production outgoers scheme.
§ Mr. MacGregorNo. Producers opting for the outgoers scheme will have thought carefully about the alternatives available to them. In addition the staff of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service are available to offer advice to individual producers.