HC Deb 04 July 2002 vol 388 cc590-1W
Gillian Merron

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to promote awareness of the school milk subsidy scheme among primary schools in(a) Lincolnshire and (b) England. [65085]

Mr. Morley

In addition to campaigns by the dairy sector, the Rural Payments Agency regularly sends out guidance on the scheme to local education authorities.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will hold a meeting with representatives from dairy farmers and buyers regarding the price of milk. [66576]

Mr. Morley

The price that milk purchasers pay farmers for their milk is a commercial matter in which the Government cannot become involved. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State therefore has no plans to meet representatives of dairy farmers and milk buyers specifically to discuss this issue. However, Ministers frequently meet with representatives from all parts of the dairy sector in the course of their duties, do discuss the overall market situation, and are aware of the concern caused by the current low prices. The Government have therefore actively supported measures taken in Brussels to support EU markets for milk and milk products and to encourage exports.