§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from farmers in Wales about the proposed Agricultural and Development Advisory Service charges for statutory work in connection with milk and dairies regulations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonWe have received a number of representations about the Government's decision to charge for statutory work under the milk and dairies regulations.
In deciding to introduce charges for this work, we were conscious of the fact that producers derive benefit from it. The high quality and reputation of our domestic milk production helps to maintain liquid consumption and this in turn benefits producer returns, which would certainly suffer if consumers had less confidence in the product.