§ Mr. Gouldasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the amounts of fixed headage payments paid under the beef slaughter premium scheme up till 29th February 1976; what have been the amounts; and who bears the cost of variable premiums paid before and after 29th February 1976.
§ Mr. BishopThe total amount paid in the United Kingdom under the fixed headage payment up to 29th February 1976 was £96,228,554.
Payments of variable premium before 29th February 1976 amounted to £42,977,237. Between 1st March and 7th May a further £8,751,077 has been paid. So far the cost of the variable premium has been borne by the United Kingdom Exchequer; but from 1st September 1976 25 per cent. of the cost of these premiums will be contributed from Community funds.