asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the latest estimate of the super-levy bill facing dairy farmers for this milk year; and whether he will consider introducing, after sanction from Brussels, a sliding scale of levy to reduce the burden on smaller quota holders.
Written Answers. - Milk Super-levy.
44.
The latest provisional estimate (based on milk delivery figures up to mid-February) is that our super-levy bill for the quota year 1988-89 will be approximately £21 million. This could be significantly reduced if farmers use surplus milk for calf feeding in the period up to the end of this month.
Under the Community regulations introduced in 1984, every producer who becomes liable for a super-levy payment must have his levy liability calculated on the same basis i.e. at the rate of 100 per cent of the target price or approximately £1.10 per gallon in excess of quota. I am of course making every effort to alleviate the burden of the 1984 decision on smaller producers.