asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action, if any, he proposes to take to counteract the imminent crisis of small milk producers, many of whom, having reached their quotas, are now facing extinction, as a result of the imposition of service penalties on production.
Written Answers. - Milk Quotas.
44.
I am aware of the difficulties that the quotas system presents for some small scale milk producers. I have already sought to assist these farmers within the limited degree of flexibility available to me under the Community Regulations. I have laid down that priority in both the distribution of fleximilk and in the new restructuring scheme which I negotiated as part of this year's price fixing package, will be given to those producers whose quotas do not exceed 25,000 gallons.
I am also looking at other possibilities, within the regulations, of meeting the need of small scale milk producers especially young farmers. I expect to make an announcement in this matter shortly.