§ 44. Mr. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average length of time in 1964 and 1965 between the birth of a calf and the payment to the farmer of benefit under the Calf Subsidy Scheme.
§ Mr. RossPrecise information is not readily available but it is estimated that the average length of time is about 10 months.
§ Mr. BakerI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Would he not agree that in view of the credit difficulties that the farmer is facing at the moment, the time is disproportionate between the inspection of a calf and the actual payment of the subsidy? Would he not consider increasing the number of livestock inspectors?
§ Mr. RossNo, I do not think that we should proceed to that. I understand that between ear punching and payment, the time is four to five weeks.
§ 45. Mr. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the cost in 1964–65 of the benefits paid out on the Calf Subsidy Scheme; and what was the cost of administering the scheme.
§ Mr. RossPayments in Scotland under the Calf Subsidy Scheme in 1964–65 totalled £3.98m. The cost of administering the Scheme is estimated at £80,000.
§ Mr. BakerCan the right hon. Gentleman say what increase is likely as a result of the increase in the calf subsidy and also as a result of dairy herd calves being eligible for subsidy?