§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will undertake a review of the quota situation for first-time applicants who wish to participate in the dairy and sheep sectors of the industry, and if he will make a statement. [27149]
§ Mr. JackThe quota schemes in the sheep and dairy sectors are based on EC legislation and the Government's ability to review operational aspects of those schemes is constrained by the requirements of the legislation. There are no plans to review the quota provisions for first-time applicants for sheep annual premium, who are able to apply to the national reserves of quota under one of three categories: newcomers to farming under 40; newcomers to farming over 40; other first-time applicants for premium. Nor do the Government have any plans to make special provision for new entrants under the milk quota system. We have, however, indicated that we would be prepared to consider any plans that the NFU and others may have for assisting new entrants to the dairy industry.