§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will remove the maximum weight limit on payments for cows slaughtered over three years old. [HL1532]
§ Baroness HaymanThe over month scheme provides a voluntary outlet for cattle which are excluded from the food chain by virtue of their age and for which there is thus no market. The weight limit and other payment terms are set by the European Commission; it is not within the Government's gift to amend them unilaterally. The Government consider that payments under the scheme are fair to taxpayers and producers and have no plans to seek the agreement of the Commission to any change in payment terms.