asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food on the basis of a full green pound devaluation the estimated benefits to Irish (a) dairy, (b) beef and (c) cereal farmers in a full year commencing 1 April 1987; the extent to which these benefits are being eroded each week because of the present inconclusive outcome of the price talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Green Pound Devaluation.
113.
On the assumption that changes in support prices would be fully reflected in producer prices, the estimated annual benefits of a full green rate devaluation to dairy, beef and cereal farmers are as follows: dairy, £55 million; beef, £60 million; cereals, £14 million.
The compromise package at present before the Council involves adjustments to the green rate which are somewhat less than a full devaluation. The delay in adopting these adjustments involves a loss of benefits for the dairy and beef sectors of £0.6 million and £0.35 million respectively per week. As the cereals marketing year does not begin until 1 July cereal producers are not being affected.