asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the system for raising and paying the EEC's co-responsibility levy is equally applied in all member states; and what action (10 they propose to take to ensure that the interest of British dairy farmers are not prejudiced.

I have no evidence that any member state is not raising the co-responsibility levy from producers in the proper manner and taking appropriate action to ensure that these sums are paid over without delay. I do not believe, therefore, that the interests of British dairy farmers are being prejudiced. The criticism of the French Government by the European Community Court of Auditors was with respect to a period of three months in 1977. Since that time, I understand from the Commission that the levy has been charged on French producers.House adjourned at twenty-five minutes before eight o'clock.