asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will ensure that the maximum rate of headage payment is made available to farmers.
Written Answers. - Headage Payments.
30.
I have more than doubled the headage payments on beef cows in 1986 and subject to EC approval for special weather aid, I propose to increase the rates on equines and cattle other than beef cows in the more severely handicapped areas by over 50 per cent. I have also, of course, extended headage payments to the newly-classified and re-classified disadvantaged areas in 1986.
As a result, the total to be paid under the 1986 disadvantaged areas headage schemes has risen from £41 million for 1985 to £73 million for 1986. An increase of the magnitude of £32 million or 80 per cent in one year is a very considerable achievement. To pay at the maximum rate, as suggested by the Deputy, would cost a further £32 million and would simply not be possible at present given the very large increase in payments this year and the severe constraints on Exchequer resources.