Vol. 448 No. 2
124 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when new regulations on ring fencing of milk quota in disadvantaged areas will be implemented; if these regulations will be on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the unsatisfactory situation which prevails at present which allows for milk quota to be lost permanently to such disadvantaged areas. [1746/95]
I am at present considering a proposal for the introduction of legislation which would restrict the loss of milk production from certain sensitive areas of the country.
In considering the matter I will have regard to the extent of such loss, its social and economic effects on the areas in question and the likely effects, if any, of the proposal on the dairy industry as a whole.
It is my intention to consult with the interested parties on this proposal and to this end I have arranged for an early meeting of the milk quota review group to discuss the matter.
