SNP must explain how EU funds will be used to help Scotland's dairy farmers - McArthur

10.49.39am GMT Mon 21st Dec 2009

Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has challenged the SNP Government to explain how they will use European funds to help Scotland’s struggling dairy industry.

Scotland is expected to receive around £2.7million as its share of £300million being made available to help struggling dairy industries across the European Union.

Answers to Parliamentary Questions lodged by Mr McArthur give no details on how these fund will be targeted to help those most in need.

Commenting, Mr McArthur MSP said:

“The announcement of these funds is good news for Scotland’s struggling diary farmers. After what has been an extremely difficult year for the sector, distribution of these funds simply cannot happen soon enough.

“It is absolutely right that Ministers consult properly with the dairy industry about how best to use these funds. However, it is not at all clear why SNP Ministers are so reluctant to commit to making sure the dairy farmers most in need of support receive a fair share.

"Two Dairy Summits in the last six months have made it crystal clear that, without targeted help and a change in the balance of power with supermarkets, Scotland's dairy farmers face a difficult and uncertain future.

"All the more reason, therefore, that Richard Lochhead makes clear the robust criteria that will be used to distribute this money and does so without undue delay."

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