§ 39. Mr. Monroasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that paragraph 10 of the Fatstock Guarantee Scheme 1967–68 is restricting the acceptance of fat cattle for subsidy; and if he will take steps to widen the definition for purposes of the scheme.
§ Mr. HoyTaking the country as a whole, the qualifying standard represents the type of carcase most acceptable to the trade. It has been in use since 1962 and we see no reason to alter it now.
§ Mr. MonroWill the Minister agree that cross cattle from a dairy herd are not likely to have such a good formation as pure beef breeds, and will he look at the wording again to remedy this unreasonable handicap?
§ Mr. HoyI am always prepared to see whether we can make improvements. All I say is that it has been the practice since 1962. Indeed, no objection was then raised. However, if there is good reason to do so, I will look at it.