§ 56. Mr. Durantasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the cost to the Exchequer of Government support for the beef industry to 18th November; and what is the estimated cost of the scheme announced in his statement of 21st November.
§ Mr. BishopPrior to 18th November direct support from the United Kingdom Exchequer through payments of calf subsidy, beef premium and advancement of the 1975 payments of hill cow and beef cow subsidy was estimated at about £140 million in 1974–75. The cost of the variable premium scheme from 18th November 1974 to 31st January 1975 will depend on the level of market prices, but could possibly be of the order of £15 million.