Letter: Crazy quota system fails farmers

Sir: How come, of the 25p per litre we provide to farmers for producing milk, nearly half (12p) is spent simply obtaining a piece of paper - the quota - which in itself produces nothing? Why should we be providing a substantial income (12p times 700,000 litres or pounds 84,000) to the lucky owners of the quota that Tim Edwards leases? I strongly suspect that these owners would not normally qualify for social security or means-tested assistance.

No doubt some limited compensation might be justified for getting rid of this artificial right to collect rent or tribute, but we should be seeking to correct this nonsense as soon as possible.

DAVID HARVEY

Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear