§ Mr. Geraint HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many dairy farmers in Scotland do not produce milk up to their allocated quota; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythIn the 1986–87 quota year 1,702 dairy farmers in Scotland produced less than their allocated quota, the majority falling short by less than 5 per cent.
Although producers are advised by the milk marketing board to maximise use of their quota, ultimately this is a matter for the individual. At the end of each quota year unused quota is utilised mainly to offset the supplementary levy liability of over-quota producers and thereby provides an important element of flexibility within the system. In the two years prior to 1986–87 the availability of unused quota ensured that no supplementary levy was paid by producers in Scotland.