HC Deb 07 July 1981 vol 8 cc96-7W
Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken over the past two years to ensure that the agriculture and food processing industries in Scotland have not been at a disadvantage to other countries within the European Economic Community.

Mr. Younger

Numerous measures have been taken, including the following:

  1. (i) the competitive position of our producers has been substantially improved by the elimination of negative monetary compensatory amounts;
  2. (ii) the European Community prices settlement in April favours the livestock sector and is estimated to be worth £40 million to Scottish producers in a full year;
  3. (iii) a sheepmeat regime has been agreed which is especially beneficial to Scottish farmers;
  4. (vi) income aids to the industry have been greatly increased. The subsidy on a hill cow, inclusive of the European Community suckler cow premium, is now £54.87—an increase of 89 per cent. over the £29 paid in 1979. The hill and upland sheep rates have gone up by 52 per cent. and 49 per cent. respectively;
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  5. (v) the liquid milk price has been increased on four occasions to provide enhanced returns for milk producers;
  6. (vi) tax concessions have been made;
  7. (vii) agreement has been reached on proposals for the creation of a seed potato development council;
  8. (viii) additional funds have been provided for improvement in marketing, and grants have been made to food processing firms;
  9. (ix) an integrated development programme is being planned for the Western Isles.

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