To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the receivers of the Dairy Farmers of Britain co-operative on payment of the May 2009 milk cheque to members supplying the co-operative. (283217)

On 17 June I attended a meeting of the Receivers (PWC), senior officials, Dairy Farmers of Britain Members Council, Dairy UK, farm unions, banks, and charity and benevolent organisations to continue coordinated efforts and work towards our common goal of minimising the impacts on all those affected.

The failure to pay the May milk cheques to members supplying the co-operative is a matter for the Receiver.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the receivers of the Dairy Farmers of Britain co-operative about the business prospects of former members of the co-operative. (283218)

On 17 June I attended a meeting of the Receivers (PwC) and other parties to continue coordinated efforts to minimise the impacts on farmers, hauliers and employees.

All members affected are being made aware of all available schemes and assistance to help businesses and individuals through difficulties (such as Business Link and the HMRC Business Payment Support Services).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the UK dairy industry on the collapse of the Dairy Farmers of Britain co-operative. (283219)

On 17 June I met with representatives of the dairy industry, farm unions and others to continue coordinated efforts and work towards our common goal of minimising the impacts on all those affected.