§ Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will introduce modifications into the fatstock guarantee system in order to encourage production of better quality beef.
Mr. AmoryYes. We have been giving much thought to this during the Annual Review and, in agreement with the three farmers' unions, we shall introduce two rates of guarantee for eligible cattle from 25th March, 1957. The higher rate will be for the younger or lighter weight well-fleshed steers and heifers, for which there is now the greatest demand. This rate will be 5s. per live cwt. more than the rate for all other eligible cattle. It is estimated that about 60 per cent. of eligible cattle will qualify for the higher 217W rate of payment. The standard price for fat cattle in 1957–58 will, of course, be announced in the Annual Review White Paper. I am announcing this today so that the necessary preparations can be made in the markets.