HC Deb 12 January 1989 vol 144 c740W
12. Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has put forward to compensate farmers for their loss of income caused by the cessation of the variable beef premium on 31 December.

Mr. Viggers

This is a matter affecting beef farmers throughout the United Kingdom and negotiations with the European Community are handled by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on behalf of the United Kingdom as a whole. The Government are opposed to termination of the beef variable premium unless acceptable terms for the replacement premiums are available.

Negotiations on reform of the EC beef support arrangements are continuing. It has been decided to extend the existing support arrangements, including the beef variable premium, until 5 March 1989.