§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce measures which would facilitate the acquisition of milk quota by new entrants to farming; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackI recognise the difficulties faced by those seeking to establish themselves in the dairy industry, and the Department has in the past looked at ways of attempting to assist new entrants. However, quota for this purpose could be obtained only at the expense of existing producers. Moreover, it would be very costly from an administrative point of view to ensure an equitable distribution of quota to new entrants, not least since any such scheme would inevitably be over-subscribed. There are, therefore, no plans to introduce special measures for new entrants. But we keep the matter under review and discuss it from time to time with the National Farmers Union and others.