§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he has taken to assist sheepmeat producers.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsWe were able to bring forward the timing of the two advance payments of sheep annual premium. Most, if not all, producers in Wales will, by now, have received the first payment of £2.40 per eligible ewe and will shortly receive the second instalment of £2.45 per head. This represents a cash flow benefit of some £25 million for producers in Wales. In addition, sheepmeat producers in the LFA can look forward to a 4 ecu per head (currently about £3.12) supplement to the sheep annual premium for 1991 as a result of this year's price-fixing agreement. The benefits of the green pound devaluation negotiated at the price fixing will also accrue from the beginning of the 1991 marketing year.