§ Mr. MuddTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will extend the suckler cow premium by putting young bulls into intervention.
§ Mr. CurryMy right hon. Friend the Minister has already announced that the suckler cow premium will be paid at the maximum rate allowed under Community legislation in the less-favoured areas, and will be maintained at last year's rate for other producers. This will provide an extra £8 million for beef farmers. Intervention coverage has also been extended, and expenditure so far this year has been over £130 million. It would be difficult to justify any further extension in intervention coverage in view of the substantial cost of existing measures.