§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what payments from public funds are currently being made to farmers with suckler cows; and if he will make a statement. [152163]
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§ Ms Quin[holding answer 5 March 2001]: The payments directed specifically at farmers with suckler cows are suckler cow premiums and related agrimonetary compensation payments. Farmers who keep suckler cows in the less-favoured areas are also eligible for Hill Farm Allowances. We are currently paying advance payments of premium to farmers whose claims are submitted toward the end of the 2000 application period. We intend to pay Hill Farm Allowances later this month and suckler cow premium balance payments early next month.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many suckler cows there are in(a) the UK and (b) Gloucestershire. [152289]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 5 March 2001]: The information is as follows:
Number of suckler cows at June 2000 on main holdings Number UK 1,829,464 Gloucestershire 15,388 Notes:
1. Gloucestershire excludes South Gloucestershire Unitary Authority (formerly part of Avon)
2. Suckler cows are all cows and heifers in the beef herd that have calved
Source:
June agricultural and horticultural censes