§ 31. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the number of calves in respect of which calf subsidies have been paid has declined in each of the last two years.
§ Mr. NugentUp to December, 1953, the upper age limit for calves was higher than subsequently and a larger number therefore qualified for payment during 1953-54 than in the following year. The net decrease of about 1,700 in the number paid in 1955-56 as compared with 1954-55 is made up of an increase of 22,500 in England and Wales, an increase of 11,500 in Scotland and a decrease of 35,700 in Northern Ireland. I understand that the reason for the latter decrease is not apparent and is being investigated.
§ Mr. WilleyWould the Joint Parliamentary Secretary appreciate that we ought to have had these figures when we discussed the calf subsidy last week, and that the figures he gave the House were rather misleading, but as he is not aware of the reason for the decrease, will the hon. Gentleman look again into this matter urgently?
§ Mr. NugentThe explanation I have given shows how the decrease came about, and the information which I gave the House last week of an increasing trend this year will he found, I think, to be confirmed by the actual number of qualifications this year.