§ 41. Mr. Joplingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the net abatement of subsidy to fat cattle producers 733 in 1967–68 both to the latest possible date, and for the full season; and what steps he will take to reimburse them.
§ Mr. PeartThe estimated net abatement, up to 9th July, 1967 was £300,000. In view of the substantial modification to the system which I have just announced, I expect the total for the year to be within £2 million. We shall discuss with the Farmers' Unions the distribution of any end-of-year payment.
§ Mr. JoplingWhat does the right hon. Gentleman intend to do about abatement already charged in the last five or six weeks to those who have been selling off cattle?
§ Mr. PeartI made a statement on the whole question of payments, and I will discuss the question of abatement with the N.F.U.