§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the sheep variable premium for lowland farmers is likely to be paid.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 23 May 1988]: An announcement on the ewe premium rate on eligible ewes for 1987 was made by the Department on 18 May, following its determination and publication by the European Commission. The final premium will be £6.238 per ewe for lowland producers. LFA producers received an advance of £2.80 per ewe last November and will be paid a balance of £3.438. All payments will be made as soon as possible. Variable premium payments on lambs of certifiable quality have been made throughout the marketing year in the usual way.