§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the loss to the United Kingdom livestock industry if EEC payments of hill livestock compensatory allowances were reduced to 25 per cent. in respect of the first 45 livestock units per holding, 12½ per cent. in respect of the next 45 livestock units and zero thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the current Commission proposals in these matters.
§ Mr. CurryThe present EC proposal is to pay the full EAGGF contribution towards hill livestock compensatory allowances, which is currently 25 per cent., on the first 45 livestock units per holding, to reduce that contribution by half over the next 45 livestock units, and to withdraw EAGGF funding altogether over 90 livestock units. We estimate that, if adopted, this proposal would reduce the United Kingdom's current receipts from the EC for HLCAs by about £10 million a year. The precise effects on the livestock industry in this country would depend on decisions still to be taken on the level of national funding. We are firmly opposed in principle to this proposal, which discriminates against farmers in our less favoured areas.