§ Mr. Gouldasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes in the beef slaughter premium scheme have occurred in each year since 1973.
§ Mr. BishopThe Community beef slaughter premium scheme was first introduced in the United Kingdom on 5th August 1974 and headage payments were made under this and subsequent similar schemes at varying rates until 29th February 1976. Provision for variable premiums was introduced on 18th November 1974. From then until 29th February 1976 these were payable as supplements to the fixed headage payments to the extent necessary to raise producer returns to the level of the target price. The fixed headage payments have been discontinued in the current beef marketing year, but producer returns continue to be maintained at target price levels by payments of variable premium.