Vol. 477 No. 2
296 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to negotiate with the EU in relation to the payment of a beef cattle premium on a forage acreage basis to farmers who do not produce their own calves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9121/97]
The payment of a beef cattle premium on a forage area basis to producers who do not produce their own calves would present a number of major practical difficulties for all EU member states and some difficulties of principle for most of them. However, the EU beef regime is likely to be reviewed later this year and, in the context of this review, I will be having all premium options examined. My aim in that review will be to seek to ensure that the premium system works to the advantage of all producers, and of the industry generally to the maximum extent possible.
