Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has had discussions with representatives of the dairy industry in Northern Ireland on financial difficulties facing dairy farmers; and if she will make a statement.

The Secretary of State chairs regular meetings with the Devolved Administrations on issues of mutual interest. The next meeting is currently being arranged and will provide an opportunity to discuss the dairy industry.

Defra officials also maintain regular contact with their counterparts in the Devolved Administrations on a range of dairy issues.