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Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 15 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Milk Prices

Question
Does the Minister share my concern and unhappiness about the fact that several efficient long-standing milk producers in my constituency have gone out of dairy production? Is he worried that the dairy trade and the superstores exercise too much influence? They make huge profits while dairy farmers, who manage the land that is so important to this country, are forced out of business by the price that they receive.
Answer

I agree that it is worrying when efficient dairy farmers go out of business. Many may choose to do that for commercial or other reasons. However, farm-gate milk is at its highest level since October 2001 and there is also the dairy premium. It is important to consider all the issues, including the role of supermarkets, which, as the hon. Gentleman knows, is constantly reviewed by the independent competition authorities.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
440 c1428 
Session
2005-06
Oral question type
Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Dairy farming Prices Milk Supermarkets
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk