§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much financial support was available to British producers of beef for each of the last three years for which figures are available; and what is his estimate for the next full financial year in the light of the new regime announced on 24 January.
§ Mr. RyderTotal expenditure in support of beef production in the United Kingdom in the last three financial years was as follows:
61W
£ million 1985–86 404.2 1986–87 312.0 1987–88 292.2 These figures comprise intervention purchases and sales, intervention storage costs, export refunds, beef variable premium, suckler cow premium, calf premium and the beef element of hill livestock compensatory allowances.
In 1988–89 expenditure on the beef variable premium has been reduced as a result of firmer beef prices flowing from reductions in beef from the dairy herd. In 1989–90 expenditure will depend in particular on uptake of the special premium, the rate to be decided for the suckler cow premium and the extent to which the new system for intervention is activated.