§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will calculate the cash value at current prices to a milk quota holder of the additional annual production which would be allowed if the butterfat content of that milk was underestimated as being 3.5 per cent. instead of an assumed 4 per cent. base. [35103]
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 18 July 1995]: An underestimation of the butterfat content of milk deliveries would normally have the effect of allowing a producer to deliver more milk against his or her quota. But the precise volume and value of those extra deliveries would depend on a number of factors including the amount of quota held by the producer, the butterfat base of that quota and the price of the milk. Milk with a lower butterfat content generally attracts a lower price.
§ Mrs. WintertonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he takes to ensure standardisation in the testing of butterfat content of milk in the assessment of compliance with milk production quotas; and if he will make a statement. [35102]
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 18 July 1995]: The Intervention Board executive agency, which is responsible for administering milk quotas, has commissioned the Central Science Laboratory to check standards at laboratories which are approved to carry out butterfat tests on milk. The first round of proficiency testing will start this month. All approved laboratories will be required to participate. Any laboratory failing to meet an acceptable standard will be excluded from testing for milk quota purposes.
§ Mrs. WintertonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has concerning the size of the black market in milk associated with systematic underestimation of butterfat content; and what action is being taken to tackle his problem. [35104]
1478W
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 18 July 1995]: The Intervention Board is investigating allegations that butterfat contents have been deliberately underestimated. It is not possible at this stage to say whether there is any substances to these allegations.