Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on(a) the level of farm gate milk prices and (b) the milk industry, since the breaking up of Milk Marque. [126932]
§ Ms QuinThe Government recognise the considerable problems currently facing the dairy industry, where a combination of factors have reduced milk prices and had a consequential effect on incomes in the sector over the past two years. It is difficult to predict how the creation of the Milk Marque successor companies will affect milk prices in the longer term. Much will depend on the way in which the new companies are run as well as other 383W factors, such as the sterling/euro exchange rate. It should also be noted that the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has announced that the successors to Milk Marque will be able to become involved in processing.