Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Thursday, 27 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 July 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 4 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 hold a meeting with representatives from dairy farmers and buyers regarding the price of milk.

Answer: 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.

Secondary information