§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps she proposes introducing to ensure that sheep do not die of malnutrition in any part of the United Kingdom as a direct result of loss of subsidy eligibility arising from the sheep quota scheme; and if she will immediately announce an emergency aid package to assist all farmers caught in such a dilemma.
§ Mr. JackThere is no evidence that the introduction of quotas will result in farmers keeping animals that they will be unable to feed. We have already allocated some 18.7 million sheep quota units. In addition, some 780,000 quota units will be available for distribution from the 1993 national reserve and a special "pool" of quota set up for those who claimed premium for the first time under the 1992 sheep annual premium scheme. These are very substantial levels of quota allocations and will ensure, in 225W general, that producers have access to the premium payments they need. Sheep producers also receive aid from other sources. For example, those in less favoured areas are eligible under the hill livestock compensatory allowance scheme. Producers wishing to acquire extra quota can do so under the flexible transfer and lease arrangements we have negotiated. They can also sell any stock which is surplus to their requirements.