§ 9. Mr. Livseyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the provisional figures for sales of finished lambs in markets in England and Wales, for the weeks ending Saturday 28 June and Saturday 5 July, compared with the same weeks in 1985.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Selwyn Gummer)Figures from the Meat and Livestock Commission, based on 64 sample markets in England and Wales, show that 87,517 lambs were certified in the week ending 29 June 1985 and 77,692 in the week ending 6 July. This year's corresponding figures are 61,426 and 63,505.
§ Mr. LivseyI am grateful for that information. In view of these figures, may I inquire whether, in respect of consequential losses outside the areas affected by the Chernobyl fall-out, the Minister will consider compensation for those lambs that did not qualify for the variable premium?
§ Mr. GummerThe hon. Gentleman will know that the change in the distribution of sales of lambs is largely due to the lateness of the season, and it is too early to make any kind of judgment. On the matter of compensation, my right hon. Friend has made his position clear.