The government will not get involved in milk price discussions.

Evidence sought on measures to protect the UK's dairy industry

MPs have launched an inquiry into falling milk prices. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee is seeking views on the adequacy of the government's response and further action that could be taken.

Last month, the committee wrote to Defra's secretary of state Liz Truss, calling for an urgent update on the steps being taken to protect the UK's dairy industry. Her response has now been published on the parliamentary website.

Ms Truss said the government will not get involved in milk price discussions but will work with dairy industry representatives to support the British dairy industry.

Commenting on her response, Efra Committee's chair Anne McIntosh, said: "Our committee has taken a close interest in the dairy industry, publishing a report in 2011 with a series of recommendations for Government action. 

"The secretary of state’s letter reports that significant action has been taken to implement changes since then, but we wish to investigate a number of areas where further action could be taken.

"The committee is therefore inviting interested parties to let us have their views on the best way to safeguard the UK dairy industry during the current global price downturn."

MPs are seeking written submissions on a number of issues:

• The impact of price volatility on dairy farmers and the expected short, medium and long-term effects on the industry.
• Efficacy of government measures to support the UK dairy industry.
  
• Impact of the EU milk package under the Common Agricultural Policy on dairy farming and the outcome the government should aim to secure from the EU.
  
• Efficacy of EU measures in addressing the effect of market surpluses on prices.
  
• Level of success achieved by voluntary approaches such as the Dairy Industry Code of Best Practice for Contractual Relations.
  
• Effectiveness of the regime established under the Groceries Code Adjudicator Act 2013 in ensuring fair and stable milk prices.
  
• Steps that could be taken by farmers, farming representatives and processing organisations to improve the prospects of the UK's dairy industry.
  

The deadline for submissions in November 18, 2014. Guidance for submitting evidence can be found on the government website.