§ Mr. Robert Banksasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the introduction of a variable rate for hygiene and quality control visits under the milk and dairies regulations.
§ Mr. GummerCharges need to reflect the costs which the Ministry incurs in administering the Milk and Dairy Regulations, and these do not vary very much between large and small producers. Significant differentiation of the visiting charge would, therefore, be difficult to justify. However, as I announced on 4 December at column 1061, we are considering whether the proposed charge might be reduced from £90 to £80 for producers with fewer than 20 cows.