§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received proposing that the steer premium should be paid at store cattle marts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryI have received no representations suggesting that the beef special premium should be payable in respect of male cattle sold through store markets. This is not an option under the EC regulations which govern the operation of the scheme. These provide only for the payment of premium on-farm (as is done in Northern Ireland) or at slaughter or on first marketing for slaughter (as is done in Great Britain).
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will arrange for the next ewe premium payment to be advanced in order to assist farmers' cash flows.
§ Mr. CurryAs we announced on 24 September, the second advance payment of sheep annual premium has been brought forward, and will be paid as soon as possible. 307W The final balancing payment cannot be determined by the European Commission until the necessary data are available, after the end of the marketing year in January 1991. Once the final rate has been set, payments should be completed quickly.