§ Lord Vinsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider the compensation arrangements for the compulsory slaughter of cattle over 30 months to be fair; and whether they will consider raising the current weight ceiling on slaughtered cattle to compensate at a price reflecting open market value. [HL1241]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)The Over Thirty Month Scheme provides a voluntary outlet for cattle which are excluded from the food chain by virtue of their age and for which there is no market. The Government consider that payments under the scheme are fair to taxpayers and producers. The weight limit and other payment terms are set by the European Commission.