§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what(a) assessments of and (b) representations he has made concerning the recent reduction in payments of the sheep annual premium scheme by the European Commission. [148872]
§ Ms QuinThe rate recently determined for Sheep Annual Premium for the 2000 marketing year is 17.477 euro/ewe (£10.73). This is the lowest level set for a number of years.
There are two reasons for this low premium. First, it is the difference between a Community-set basic price and average prices on the EU market. High sheep prices across the Community have reduced the premium. Secondly, the £/euro exchange rate reduces the sterling value to British farmers of the euro rate.
Nevertheless we are satisfied that all the rules for calculating the premium have been applied correctly.