but we must make quite clear to the Government what the feeling is at the moment with regard to the Crisis in Milk.

This year, the emphasis has been put upon meat at the expense of milk and eggs, with the result that the numbers of livestock have decreased, and in less than 18 months we shall have a very Serious Milk Crisis.

Whether the Minister likes it or not, there could well be a Milk Crisis this year if we have unfavourable weather conditions.

Whether the right hon. Gentleman likes it or not, there could well be a Milk Crisis this year if we have unfavourable weather conditions.

Does my hon. Friend agree that that is precisely what we were doing and what was being advocated before the Milk Crisis burst and quotas had to be imposed?

Sir Peter Emery (East Devon): Will the right hon. Gentleman turn his mind to the major Crisis in the Milk 340 industry, which was brought about by the delay of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in publishing the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on Milk Marque?

This is the first big test since the voluntary code came into being following the 2012 Milk Crisis.

The 2012 Milk Crisis led to blockades of depots and processors, and thousands of angry farmers descended on Westminster to confront Ministers.