§ 20. Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of the beef variable premium scheme.
§ Mr. JoplingI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) earlier today.
§ 59. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the present state of the beef industry.
§ Mr. GummerThe beef market has remained weak. Although slaughterings have been lower than last year, total supplies have been similar as a result of increased imports, particularly from the Irish Republic. A high level of intervention stocks continues to overhang the market. Nevertheless, producer returns have so far this marketing year averaged about 95.5 per cent. of the target price.
§ 63. Mr. Marlandasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what alternative methods of disposal are currently being considered for surplus beef stocks.
§ Mr. GummerCommission proposals for reform of the beef regime are currently under consideration in the Council of Ministers. The Government are pressing for the regime to be more market-orientated so reducing reliance on intervention and the consequent build-up of stocks. While surplus stocks remain, the Government support their disposal by the most cost-effective means. Intervention beef is available under a wide range of sales for both domestic and export markets.
§ 68. Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has plans for further encouragement for beef producers in the less-favoured areas.
§ Mr. GummerBeef producers in the less-favoured areas benefit from the wide range of support measures under the Community beef regime and also from the arrangements for the payment of hill livestock compensatory allowances, which for beef cows amount to some £50 million this year. I expect to make an announcement shortly on the rates of these allowances to apply in 1987.