AID FOR DAIRY FARMERS

Early day motion 1154, tabled 18 April 2002 by Jackie Lawrence (Labour). Signed by 52 members.

That this House is concerned by the continuing decline in milk prices for dairy farmers; recognises that a farmgate price of 18ppl, with further price falls expected, will not ensure a viable, sustainable industry when 21ppl is needed to cover costs and at least 24ppl for reinvestment; notes that the Government has reduced dairy farmers' costs in a number of ways since 1997, such as waiving cattle passport charges; and calls upon the Government to further assist the dairy sector by extending, for a further two years, the transitional aid as made available in 2000 and 2001 under the agrimonetary compensation scheme.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Liberal Democrat 9, Labour/Co-operative 4, UUP 4, Conservative 3, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 2.