§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will consider increasing the hill livestock compensatory allowances in line with inflation to meet the declining profitability and raise the suckler cow subsidy to the highest possible award under present European Economic Community regulations in order partly to check the decline in beef breeding in many parts of Wales.
§ Mr. Michael Roberts:The Government are currently reviewing the rates of hill livestock compensatory allowances for 1982. All aspects of the hill and upland economy are being taken into account.
The suckler cow premium is already being paid at the amount fixed and financed by the European Community. The Government have no proposal to increase the level of the premium from national funds.