§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what additional assistance he has produced to beef producers during the last six months. [9040]
§ Mr. BaldryUnited Kingdom farmers have received additional direct financial assistance totalling nearly £110 million. In addition, the advance payments under the suckler cow and beef special premium schemes have been paid at a rate of 80 per cent. rather than the normal 60 per cent. Market support measures, such as the expanded intervention coverage for beef and the calf processing scheme, have also served to enhance producers' income.
§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to amend the system of subsidies in respect of farmers who buy rather than breed beef animals. [8956]
§ Mr. BaldryProducers who buy male cattle to fatten for slaughter are currently able to claim under the beef special premium scheme, subject to observance of scheme rules. Those who marketed adult cattle, including heifers, for slaughter for human consumption between 20 March and 30 June were able to claim additional subsidies worth £66.76 per head of cattle marketed. A second round of marketing payments is now available in respect of cattle marketed between 1 July and 30 September. Claims must be made before 8 January. The payment rate under this second phase in likely to be around £55 per head. I have no plans to alter this position or to seek any amendments to existing subsidy schemes for this category of producer.
§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the profit made on animals by beef producers during the last six months. [8957]
§ Mr. BaldryBeef profitability varies widely and depends on the farm type and production system. Various estimates of annual profitability are published each March in "Farm Incomes in the United Kingdom".