asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state regarding the milk cessation scheme (a) when farmers will have to cease production; (b) when payments will be made under the scheme, (c) if farmers will have an opportunity to alter their decision after the application is submitted, and if he will make a comprehensive statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Milk Cessation Scheme.
410.
The successful applicants for the milk cessation scheme will be notified as soon as possible and the Department's notification will indicate the date from which they are to cease milk production. Payment of the first instalment for the scheme will be made during the early months of 1985 and of the four remaining instalments during the corresponding periods in the years 1986 to 1989.
While normally I would regard a duly completed application form as a commitment to participation in the scheme, if selected, nevertheless I am prepared to accept withdrawals in this instance provided they are notified in writing to the Department before the announcement of the successful applicants has been made.
411.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the position of milk producers under the recently announced cessation scheme who have supplied some volume of milk to milk plants since 2 April 1984; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
412.
asked the Minister for Agriculture how he will cater for exceptional cases under the terms of the milk cessation scheme if the demand is greater than seven million gallons which his Department has estimated and provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.
Under the terms of the milk cessation scheme, in the event of applications exceeding seven million gallons, preference will be given to those producers whose deliveries ceased prior to April 1984. The balance of milk required will be obtained by conducting a ballot among the other applicants. Successful producers who have supplied milk since April 1984 will only be granted payment on the balance of their quota entitlement for the first year. They will of course receive payment on the basis of their full quota allowance for the remaining four years.
413.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will set a limit on the outflow of milk from individual co-operative areas under the milk cessation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I do not intend to set any such limits.