Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 March 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 March 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what assessment he has made of the impact of rules regarding milk producer monopoly situations in (a) the UK and (b) the rest of the EU; and if he will make a statement. (Holding answer 5 March 2001).

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of rules regarding milk producer monopoly situations in (a) the UK and (b) the rest of the EU; and if he will make a statement. [152284] Ms Quin: [holding answer 5 March 2001]: The Government's view is that milk production is subject to the same competition rules on monopolies as other sectors of the economy. The hon. Member will be aware of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the supply in GB of raw cow's milk, which was published in July 1999. It concluded that Milk Marque was abusing its monopoly in the supply of milk. No official assessment has been made by the Government of the situation in the rest of the EU.

Secondary information