Michael Finucane
Question:92 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will restore the temporary reduction of 2 per cent to farmers who have had their milk quotas reduced.
Written Answers. - Milk Quota Reductions.
The EC Prices Package agreed for 1991-92 provided for a reduction of 2 per cent of each member state's milk quota with effect from 1 April 1991. However producers are being compensated for this reduction at the rate of 41 pence per gallon in respect of 1991-92. In addition, provision was made for a Community-funded buy-up scheme under which quotas will be purchased from producers willing to sell, with a view to reallocating the purchased quotas to restore the 2 per cent reduction with effect from 1 April 1992. Should insufficient quota be purchased under the buy-up scheme to restore the reductions in full, producers will continue to be compensated at the rate of 41 pence per gallon per year in respect of unrestored reductions for a further four-year period.