§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for the future of the Milk Marketing Board.
§ Mr. CurryThe Government's approach has been to encourage the dairy industry to come forward with proposals for more open and competitive milk marketing arrangements. We welcomed the milk marketing board's decision to submit plans for transforming itself to co-operative status. The next step is for the board to bring the dairy trade into its discussions and there will need to be an opportunity for wider consultation with all interests affected before decisions are taken. The Government are ready to facilitate change provided it commands industry support and is compatible with competition law.