§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will extend the period over which the reduction of the sheep variable premium takes place from the calendar year 1990 to the end of the financial year 1990–91.
§ Mr. CurryAs part of a reformed sheepmeat regime the sheep variable premium scheme is to be phased out in stages during the calendar years 1990 to 1992. The United Kingdom has retained the right to end the scheme before the end of 1992. We will continue to consult closely all those concerned with the scheme, and will take decisions on the best way of ending the premium on the basis of the views expressed to us and on experience in the market.