§ Sir J. Rodgersasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why brucellosis eradication incentive for beef is less attractive than that for milk; and what plans he has to adjust the position.
§ Mrs. FennerFollowing the relatively larger increase in the beef incentive at the 1971 annual review the proportion of beef herds entering the incentive scheme has matched that of dairy herds. From 1st April 1971 to the end of February 1973, 21,199 beef herd owners representing 33 per cent. of beef herds in Great Britain sought voluntary accreditation compared with 24,369 dairy herds or 32 per cent. of all dairy herds. This is a very satisfactory response from both sectors and my right hon. Friend has at present no plans for further adjustment of the rates of incentive.