§ 22. Sir Raymond Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with farming unions in Wales regarding the future of the beef variable premium; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI and my officials have met the farming unions in Wales on several occasions on which the future of the beef variable premium has been discussed. The Agriculture Council is considering proposals for reform of the beef regime including a Community-wide premium scheme which would replace our variable beef premium. We are pressing for arrangements which will give adequate and effective support to our industry.
§ Sir Raymond Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning the present state of beef production in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe beef market in Wales remains weak and the 1986 June census results record a further marginal decline in the beef breeding herd in Wales. In the last marketing year, beef producers in Wales benefited by £4.9 million under the beef variable premium scheme, £3.5 million under the suckler cow premium scheme and over £7 million in hill livestock compensatory allowances.