Written question asked by Gary Streeter (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 November 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 November 2004 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, what assessment she has made of the impact of the rules relating to the transfer of milk quota from one year to the next on farmers who marginally exceed their quota; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of the rules relating to the transfer of milk quota from one year to the next on farmers who marginally exceed their quota; and if she will make a statement. [195207] Alun Michael: We consider the milk quota system to be an unnecessary burden on farmers and one which adds considerably to their costs. As a result we make the trading of quota as simple as possible in order to minimise that burden. For example, we have broken the link between quotas and land in order to simplify the system further for milk producers. Further reform of the dairy sector, including the removal of the quota system, remains our long-term aim.

Secondary information