asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends taking any action to ensure that the ill effects of the super-levy as experienced by milk producers in 1987-88 are not repeated in 1988-89; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Milk Super-levy.
53.
I consider that despite the quota cuts 1987-88 was a good year for Irish milk producers and processors. Co-ops were generally paying above five pence a gallon more than in the previous year, inflation was at a low level and interest rates were falling. While some producers will be facing super-levy bills, these will be much less than was anticipated earlier in the year.
As I announced recently, I have set up a working group comprised of representatives from the industry, AFT/ACOT and the Department to review the various operations of the quota system with a view to improvement where possible and to report their findings to me by the autumn. I have already decided on one change for 1988-89 in accepting the recommendation of the group to introduce a scheme for the temporary leasing of quotas this milk year.