HC Deb 14 March 1985 vol 75 cc265-6W
35. Mr. Key

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any plans to alter the level of payments for the fat content of milk.

Mr. MacGregor

In its 1985–86 price proposals, the Commission has proposed an adjustment in the value placed on the butterfat and solids-not-fat parts of milk from the present ratio of 50:50 to 47.15:52.85. This would affect the various support mechanisms for milk and milk products, in particular the levels of intervention prices.

In the United Kingdom the arrangements for compositional payments to producers for the milk they supply to the milk marketing boards, and the degree to which they reflect changes in the Community's support arrangements, are for the boards to decide.