HL Deb 25 April 1984 vol 451 c136WA
Lord Stanley of Alderley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the total yearly cost to the United Kingdom Government of paying the beef premium on meat imported from Eire and what is the estimated cost of this subsidy to the British taxpayer during 1984–85.

Lord Belstead

This fluctuates from year to year, but it has averaged about £1.9m per annum between 1976–77, when the Beef Variable Premium Scheme was introduced on its present basis, and 1983–84. It is not possible at this stage to estimate the cost for 1984–85.