HL Deb 18 May 2000 vol 613 c37WA
Lord Tomlinson

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the weight limit on payments for cattle entering the Over Thirty Months Scheme will be removed. [HL2515]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)

On 12 May the Beef Management Committee agreed to a Commission proposal to remove the weight limit on payments for all cattle entering the Over Thirty Months Scheme. This will take effect for all cattle entering the scheme on or after 5 June. This delivers on a key element of the Government's Action Plan for Farming. It is worth £20 million a year in payments to UK farmers and will also increase asset values. It will be of particular benefit to those running suckler herds.