§ Lord Stanley of Alderleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are prepared to pay an interim payment for variable sheep premiums to agricultural co-operatives operating dead-weight certification centres; and
Whether they will consider paying interest on sheep premiums that are overdue to agricultural co-operatives operating dead-weight certification centres.
Earl FerrersPayments of variable sheep premiums, which are being delayed by industrial action, will be made as soon as circumstances permit. There is not statutory provision for the payment of interest on delayed payments and the Government cannot accept responsibility for making interest payments.