HC Deb 25 May 1989 vol 153 cc734-5W
24. Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his decision to pay the suckler cow premium in full will enhance United Kingdom beef production.

Mr. Donald Thompson

In the 1989–90 scheme year the rate of.suckler cow premium will be £47.43 per cow, an increase of 42 per cent. over last year. This will give further support and encouragement to producers who are currently rebuilding their suckler herds and help to offset the reduction in calf supplies from the dairy herd. Consumers will benefit as the proportion of United Kingdom production from beef cows increases.

55. Mr. Boswell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the percentage increase in the suckler cow premium over the previous year; and how much this will add to the incomes of beef farmers.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The rate to be paid in the 1989–90 scheme year will be £47.43 per cow, the maximum permitted under Community rules. This is 42 per cent. higher than last year. We estimate that the total payment to United Kingdom producers will be £57 million, some £20 million higher than last year.

65. Mr. Colin Shepherd

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how his decision to pay the suckler cow premium at its maximum level will affect farm incomes, particularly in the less-favoured areas.

Mr. Donald Thompson

We estimate that total payments of suckler cow premium to United Kingdom producers in 1989–90 will be £57 million, some £20 million more than last year. About 70 per cent. of the specialist beef herd is in the less-favoured areas and so it is likely that the major part of this increase will benefit producers farming in the most difficult parts of the country.