The person named applied for 1996 special beef premium on a total of 67 animals all of which were under 24 months of age and as such were each classified as 0.6 of a livestock unit. As a result, the total number of livestock units reckonable for stocking density purposes in this case was 40.2, i.e. 67 × 0.6.
Under EU regulations governing the special beef premium scheme, a stocking density of two livestock units per hectare applies. This means that the person named could only receive payment in respect of 18.54 livestock units or an equivalent of 30.9 animals, on his 9.27 hectare holding. Accordingly, he was paid a total of £2,786.25, 30.9 × £90.17, which was his full entitlement under the 1996 special beef premium scheme. The terms and conditions governing this scheme are prescribed under EU regulations and my Department has no option but to adhere to them.