Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 July 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 18 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement about the sustainability of UK milk production at current price levels.

Answer: Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about the sustainability of UK milk production at current price levels. [69621] Mr. Morley: For many, the current prices being achieved are clearly unsustainable in the longer term. They are back to the levels seen in 2000. The reasons for this appear many and varied but one--the unusually high early season peak of production that put a strain on processing capacity--should now be behind us. The recent strengthening of the euro against sterling should also have a beneficial effect once it has worked through.

Secondary information