Question
What estimate he has made of the cost to farmers of the introduction of the weight limit on cull cattle compensation. - Inc figs.
Answer
Mr. Pickthall: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the cost to farmers of the introduction of the weight limit on cull cattle compensation. [9542] Mr. Rooker: The effect of the weight limit on farmers' incomes will depend on the weight of the animals being presented. For a typical suckler cow farmer culling five cows per year, each weighing 620 kg, the reduction in income arising from the introduction of the weight limit and the lower compensation rate for cull cows will be about £395. The weight limit and the reduced compensation rate for cull cows are being introduced to reduce expenditure on the over-30-months scheme, which is expected to amount to well over £200 million this year in compensation alone.