Question
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will comment on the future of the milk quota system. - Inc figures.
Answer
Ms Walley: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of the milk quota system. [37041] Mr. Rooker: The Commission's Agenda 2000 proposals in the dairy sector include: the extension of milk quotas for a further 6 years until 2006; a reduction of 15 per cent. in support prices over 4 years; the introduction of a direct payment or dairy cow premium; and an average 2 per cent. increase in milk quota at Community level. These proposals, which will be the subject of careful negotiation, would represent some improvement over current arrangements, but do not go far enough.