HL Deb 26 October 1993 vol 549 cc83-4WA
Lord Gainford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will consult on the Milk Marketing Board's reorganisation scheme.

Earl Howe

My right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Wales invited comments from interested organisations in England and Wales on the scheme of reorganisation submitted to us by the Milk Marketing Board for England and Wales (MMB) under the Agriculture Act 1993 on Friday 22nd October.

The MMB has proposed in its reorganisation scheme that the Milk Marketing Scheme should end on 1st April 1994. On that day certain of the MMB's assets would be transferred to a voluntary co-operative, Milk Marque, membership of which would be open to all producers in England and Wales. The scheme also provides for the flotation of the MMB's commercial subsidiary Dairy Crest. Eligible producers would receive shares in Dairy Crest and Certificates of Entitlement in Milk Marque. Certain assets and liabilities would be retained by the MMB, which would continue in residuary form after the end of the Milk Marketing Scheme to wind up its affairs.

We have asked to receive comments by 29th November 1993.