§ 21. Mrs. Shieldsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning dairy farming in Yorkshire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerI receive frequent representations on the subject of dairy farming in Yorkshire and more generally. The House debated the subject on 1 December and I also refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave this afternoon to my hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr. Latham) on the subject of charging.
§ 24. Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many dairy farmers have applied to take part in his new outgoers scheme.
§ Mr. GummerBy 21 November 62 producers had submitted applications to take part in the Milk (Community Outgoers) Scheme throughout the United Kingdom, representing some 10.6 million litres of quota.
784W
§ 29. Mr. Knoxasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement about milk quotas.
§ Mr. GummerSurpluses in the dairy sector continue to be of grave concern. The Council of Agriculture Ministers is currently considering a package of measures aimed at tightening up the quota system and further reducing quota levels.
§ 43. Mr. Heathcoat-Amoryasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress over the milk outgoers scheme.
§ Mr. GummerBy 21 November 62 producers had submitted applications to give up some 10.6 million litres of quota under the Milk (Community Outgoers) Scheme in the United Kingdom.
§ 45. Mr. Penhaligonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on the European Communites new proposals for milk quotas.
§ Mr. GummerI support the Commission's efforts to reduce dairy surpluses and restore balance to the market. However, I strongly favour a policy of price restraint and direct action on quotas rather than measures which will render the quota system more inflexible.