Sheepmeat

HC Deb 11 June 1980 vol 986 cc529-30

1. Mr. Myles

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give consideration to methods by which the market for sheepmeat in Scotland can best be stabilised.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. George Younger)

The Government have done so, and negotiations for a Community market organisation for lamb have now virtually been completed. We shall have a full deficiency payment scheme financed entirely from Community funds, which will assure producers of a substantial increase in their returns this year and, I believe, of a secure future. This stabilisation of the market will also benefit the consumer, because adequate supplies of home-produced lamb will be assured at reasonable prices.

Mr. Myles

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the concern among Scottish store sheep producers that this regulation will not operate before the autumn lamb sales?

Mr. Younger

Yes, I am aware of that, and I appreciate their concern. I very much hope that negotiations with New Zealand will be completed in time to implement the regime before the main autumn store sheep sales, but if they are not I hope to be able to indicate by then when the regime will be implemented, so as to minimise the uncertainty.

Mr. Donald Stewart

Is the Secretary of State aware that the market could be improved by a review of the Meat and Livestock Commission's grading regulations, which have been in force since 1945? As the public taste has changed in favour of leaner meat, hill sheep farmers are losing because of these regulations not being brought up to date.

Mr. Younger

I am aware of that problem. The Meat and Livestock Commission, in conjunction with my right hon. Friends, is looking into the matter.

Mr. Lang

I assure my right hon. Friend that the new arrangements have been well received by the sheep farmers in my constituency. May I press upon him the need to take full advantage at the end of the year of the increased maxima in the hill livestock compensatory allowances, which will be needed to continue the restoration of confidence in this sector?

Mr. Younger

I thank my hon. Friend for what he has said. That is also my experience. We shall, of course, look at this matter in the autumn, as we have undertaken to do.