Asked by: Guto Bebb (Independent - Aberconwy)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with farming organisations in Wales about changes in the price of milk.
Answered by George Eustice
I chair regular meetings of the Dairy Supply Chain Forum which includes key representatives from the whole of the supply chain, including colleagues from Wales and from the farming industry. The next meeting is on 19 November. It will focus on the key issues and opportunities that the dairy sector is facing, including the latest market situation.
In addition, Defra officials maintain regular contact with their counterparts in Wales on a range of dairy issues.
Asked by: Guto Bebb (Independent - Aberconwy)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the causes of recent changes in the price of milk.
Answered by George Eustice
Milk prices are falling as a result of the ban on dairy imports to Russia and falling returns from global commodity markets. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for UK dairying remains positive. Over the next decade, the UK dairy industry estimates global demand to rise by 2.5% a year with growing world incomes and an expanding population. UK dairy exports are already at record levels and we will continue to encourage and support our domestic farmers and processors to develop their businesses.
Asked by: Guto Bebb (Independent - Aberconwy)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she next plans to meet farming organisations in Wales.
Answered by Dan Rogerson
The Secretary of State met with a number of Welsh farming organisations when she visited the Royal Welsh Show on 21 July. We work closely with farming organisations across the UK and look forward to meeting representatives in due course.
Asked by: Guto Bebb (Independent - Aberconwy)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her Department will bring forward legislative proposals to ban puppy farming.
Answered by George Eustice
Dog breeding is already regulated. If anyone has any concerns about the welfare of dogs in a dog breeding establishment they should report it to the relevant local authority who have powers to investigate and take appropriate action.