HC Deb 12 November 1981 vol 12 c177W
33. Sir Timothy Kitson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give consideration to changing the grading system for sheep to move to half and half grading system rather than the present position of grading.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Since sheep kill out on average at rather less than half their live weight, I can see no justification for adopting their halfweight as a basis for premium payments. Regular checks are made on the present system of estimating carcase weight, and in general show a high degree of accuracy.