§ 22. Mr. Phillip Oppenheimasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the latest estimate for the number of jobs lost on farms, creameries, and dairy plants, as a result of the imposition of milk quotas.
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§ Mr. GummerI regret that the information requested is not available.
§ 61. Mr. Bestasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the dairy industry regarding the operation of milk quotas.
§ Mr. GummerI and my officials are in regular contact with a wide range of organisations to discuss various aspects of the milk quota arrangements. We shall continue to seek their views on new developments, such as the proposed Community outgoers' scheme.
§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect of milk quotas on tenant farmers.
§ Mr. GummerThe introduction of milk quotas has led to problems for producers which are in many respects similar for both owner-occupier and tenant. The fact that both tenant and landlord have an interest in the quota allocated to a producer for use on a tenanted holding may, however, give rise to additional issues when the tenancy comes to an end or when the tenant wishes to give up milk production. We are examining these issues and consulting the industry to see if agreement can be reached on solutions which recognise the contribution that both parties have made to the build-up of quota and which ensure the continued effective functioning of the landlord-tenant system.
§ 39. Mr. Patrick Nichollsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made to resolve the issue of transferability of milk quotas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerAs I made clear to my hon. Friend on 21 November, I attach great importance to obtaining better arrangements for the transfer of quota between producers. We are actively considering what might be done for the 1986–87 milk year.