DAIRY SECTOR

Early day motion 422, tabled 21 February 2000 by Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 42 members.

That this House expresses its dismay and concern at the continuing collapse of the price received by dairy farmers for their milk; notes that the price per litre has dropped from 25 pence in 1996 to 17 pence this year, which in real terms reflects a price reduction of almost 40 per cent.; expresses horror at the expectation that prices will fall a further 1.5 pence per litre during the coming year and could be as low a 12 pence per litre by June; in these desperate circumstances, calls on the Government to make available the full permissible amount of agri-monetary compensation to the dairy sector forthwith; and urges a fundamental review of the effects of an over-valued pound on the UK productive economy.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 18, Labour 11, Labour/Co-operative 4, UUP 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Independent Labour 1, Scottish National Party 1.