Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 3 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 December 2003. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Thursday, 11 December 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with representatives from Northern Ireland's dairies in relation to milk prices.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with representatives from Northern Ireland's dairies in relation to milk prices. [142671] Mr. Pearson: I have had no formal discussions recently with representatives from Northern Ireland's dairies in relation to milk prices. This is a reserved matter and it is not Government policy to interfere in the operation of normal market forces. I note, however, that average producer price for raw milk sold in Northern Ireland in October 2003, at 21.18 pence per litre, was 15.6 per cent. higher than the price of 18.32 pence per litre realised in October 2002.

Secondary information