§ Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated profit per sucking cow kept in a hill cow breeding herd in Northern Ireland for the financial year 1980–81 and for each of the proceeding three years, in cash and real terms, taking 1977–78 as 100.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe estimated gross margins per hill beef cow as shown by the farm management survey in Northern Ireland for the period 1977–78 to 1979–80 with indices in real terms—1977–78=100—are as follows:
Year Gross margin per cow Index in real terms (1977–78 = 100) £ 1977–78 113 100 1978–79 123 101 1979–80 94 67 The index of gross margins per cow in real terms has been calculated by reference to changes in the retail price index. Gross margin data for 1980–81 are still being collected.