§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is HM Government's policy on the continuance or otherwise of milk quotas; and what is their response to the European Commission's proposal published on 18 March on the extension of, and increase in, quotas. [44499]
§ Mr. RookerThe Government broadly welcome the Commission's proposals for reforming the dairy sector as a step in the right direction. However, we are pressing for a clear date for the removal of milk quotas. Whilst welcoming, in principle, an increase in milk quotas in line with the price cuts, we do not accept the proposed discriminatory allocation of additional quota in favour of producers in mountain areas.
§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the proposed scheme to increase some milk quotas will apply to the Peak District. [44355]
§ Mr. RookerPart of the Commission's proposals would involve a 1 per cent. quota increase for each Member State with priority to be given to young farmers and 1 per cent. for producers in mountain areas. The UK would not benefit from the latter allocation but the former would in principle apply to the Peak District just as to any other part of the UK.