Question
What consultations he had with representatives of the farming industry before his recent announcement of a reduction in the cull cow compensation rate.
Answer
Mr. Hogg: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he had with representatives of the farming industry before his recent announcement of a reduction in the cull cow compensation rate. [6688] Mr. Rooker: My colleagues and I have had several meetings with representatives of the farming industry since 1 May. While there was no specific consultation on the cut in the compensation rate for cull cows before the announcement, my colleagues and I are fully aware of beef farmers' concerns over the state of the industry, and their views on the Over-Thirty Months Scheme in particular.