HL Deb 11 December 1968 vol 298 cc511-2

2.44 p.m.

VISCOUNT MONCKTON OF BRENCHLEY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to simplify the regulations concerning the production of bull-beef.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, as noble Lords will know, arrangements were introduced in March, 1966, on a trial basis and for a period of three years to allow young bulls to qualify for payments under the Fatstock Guarantee and Calf Subsidy Schemes, subject to certain conditions designed to safeguard the purposes of those payments and to comply with the sire licensing legislation. The experience gained over the past three years has now been reviewed, in consultation with the organisations concerned, and it has been decided in principle that young bulls should be brought into the Fatstock Guarantee Scheme and calf subsidy on a formal basis from the beginning of the next fatstock year—that is, March 31, 1969. Details of any changes in the present arrangements will be announced as soon as practicable.

VISCOUNT MONCKTON OF BRENCHLEY

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his very helpful Answer. Can he say whether he hopes that the regulations and sales will be simplified?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I understand that some minor alterations have been made in the application form for permits, and there will be some further changes; but I am sure the noble Lord will agree that there are certain basic requirements which have to be met. It is necessary to have some permit scheme and there must be some control over the housing of these animals. Subject to that, I hope that we shall be able to make some progress.

VISCOUNT MONCKTON OF BRENCHLEY

I thank the noble Lord.

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