AN MP is demanding answers over delayed payments to farmers for milk.

South Craven MP Julian Smith said dairy co-operative First Milk had announced this week it was deferring payments by a fortnight.

Mr Smith has written to First Milk and to Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Elizabeth Truss, over the issue.

“Dairy farming is always tops of my agenda,” he said.

A spokesman for First Milk said there had been a steep fall in milk prices globally and it had to put its finances on a stronger footing.