Written question asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 June 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 June 2006. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Thursday, 6 July 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Milk

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the sustainability for dairy farmers of the price paid to them for milk.

Answer: Price negotiations between producers and processors, are a private commercial matter in which Government cannot get involved provided competition rules are respected.Dairy farmers are currently facing a number of challenges, including farmgate prices. In line with the ‘Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food’, the Government are working alongside the industry to facilitate and support its future development. For example, the Dairy Supply Chain Forum is providing information to help the dairy industry make informed decisions about its future in a world with much freer trade and lower prices

Secondary information