§ 129. Mr. Kenyonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now announce the rate of hill cattle subsidy for England and Wales for this year.
§ Mr. G. BrownYes. The rate of subsidy for breeding cows and heifers suckling calves on hill land will be £5 per head and that for other eligible cattle £2 15s. per head. These compare with last year's rates of £4 and £2 17s. 6d. respectively. The rate for breeding cows and heifers has been increased to encourage the breeding of more hardy cattle on the hills in the interests of meat production. To achieve this increase a slight reduction in the rate for other eligible cattle has been necessary. To enable hill farmers to make plans ahead I take this opportunity of announcing that the new rates will continue in 1952 and 1953. The necessary Statutory Instrument will be laid before Parliament shortly.