Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances (Hansard, 4 July 1979)

§ 3. Mr. Myles
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the level of hill livestock compensatory allowances for 1980.

§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. George Younger)
My right hon. Friends and I will review the level of hill livestock compensatory allowances for 1980 towards the end of the year when we know the outcome of the autumn store stock sales and have up-to-date information on changes in production costs.

§ Mr. Myles
Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is vital that primary producers of calves in the hill areas have their confidence restored so that we may be in a stronger position when the predicted shortage of beef occurs?

§ Mr. Younger
I agree very much with my hon. Friend, and we shall take these matters very carefully into account in the review we will be making this autumn.

§ Mr. Russell Johnston
Is the Secretary of State aware that that is a very disappointing answer and that the agriculture industry is expecting some increase now to take account of increased fuel costs and rising inflation? Is he aware also that Conservative candidates in the election campaign gave the impression that action would be taken speedily if the Conservative Party came to power? Is it the right hon. Gentleman's intention to pay up to the EEC limits in future?

§ Mr. Younger
The question is directed to the levels for 1980, and I have answered it in that sense. In relation to the present situation we hope to announce a decision very shortly.

§ Mr. Pollock
Does my right hon. Friend agree that what farmers require, above all, is a clear and strong commitment by the Government to supporting a home-based food industry? Does he agree further that his colleagues at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are to be congratulated on the successful negotiations in Europe which will be of real help to consumers and farmers alike?

§ Mr. Younger
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. There is no doubt that the success of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in his negotiations in Europe last month was an extremely good boost in confidence for the farming industry. Scotland is no exception to that.