§ Mr. CannTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports he has received that dairy cows older than 30 months are being auctioned at markets for sums less than the Government slaughter compensation price, with particular reference to Holsworthy in north Devon. [33118]
§ Mr. BaldryCompensation is paid by the Intervention Board to approved collection centres, which may be abattoirs or liveweight markets, when eligible animals are presented for slaughter at designated abattoirs. The scheme rules do not prevent producers from selling their animals at agreed prices below the compensation rate and I am aware that some have done so.
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