§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to stop farmers dumping milk on the land on economic grounds.
§ Mr. JackWe have seen reports that some farmers who anticipate having to pay super levy are disposing of their surplus milk by dumping it on their land. However, the arrangements which the Government have provided for milk producers to buy, sell or lease milk quota to meet their individual business needs are an alternative way for farmers to avoid the payment of super levy.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to ensue that dairy farmers are assisted by the efficient completion of is annual activities by the intervention board; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackThe intervention board is responsible under the common agriculture policy arrangements for supporting and managing a range of measures in the dairy sector including the operation of the milk quotas register. I am confident that it is able to discharge these responsibilities in and efficient and timely manner.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures are taken by his Department in cases where this is evidence of the illegal movement of milk.
§ Mr. JackThe intervention board is currently investigating information it has received concerning irregularities in connection with the trade in milk. If there is evidence of such irregularities, those involved would run the risk of heavy fines, payment or super levy on undeclared sales of milk and, possibly imprisonment.