The UK government has given the Monopolies & Mergers Commission another extension to the deadline for its inquiry into raw milk supply. The Commission had been due to report its findings at the end of last month but will now do so by 26 February.
The announcement came shortly after Milk Marque launched its January 1999 selling round, sparing the co-operative criticism for not awaiting the investigation’s conclusion before making its next move.
However, it did not escape censure from processors for raising indicative prices for varying supply, and was forced into a second round after attracting bids for only 25% of its milk. Varying supply had been offered at 21.2ppl (August: 20.5), premier at 22.5ppl (23.3) and ex-farm at 21.5ppl (21.8).
When the first round opened, Dairy Industry Federation (DIF) director general Jim Begg told Dairy Industries International: