§ 38. Mr. Hoosonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up an investigation to find out how many live cattle imported from the Republic of Ireland have attracted headage payment on being slaughtered.
§ Mr. BishopAll cattle from the Republic of Ireland which meet the minimum qualifying standards are eligible for beef premium on slaughter. Between 5th August, when the scheme was introduced, and 13th October, the latest date for which figures are available, 50,135 Irish cattle had been certified for payment of premium.
§ 44. Mr. Nicholas Edwardsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has completed his consideration of the proposal to introduce a 60-day waiting period before imported cattle qualify for United Kingdom grants.
§ Mr. BishopI can assure the hon. Member that we are giving full consideration to this proposal as promised in the debate last week, but difficult issues are involved and we shall have to weigh these carefully before reaching a decision.