§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the percentage reduction in the respective sheep premium payments in the current year as a result of the European Community sheepmeat stabiliser; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe sheepmeat stabiliser came into effect on 23 May this year. An immediate reduction of 3 per cent. was applied to the guide price used for calculating payments of sheep variable premiums in Great Britain. The basic price which will be used to establish the level of 1988 annual ewe premiums has been reduced by 1.85 per cent. in Great Britain and 1.23 per cent. in the rest of the Community (reflecting the lower rate of stock expansion there); levels of actual payments are dependent upon market prices.