asked the Minister for Agriculture the percentage by which the weighted average level of grants for reactors has increased since the present system of grants was introduced and the percentage increase in (a) the consumer price index and (b) the index of industrial earnings for the same period.
Written Answers. - Reactor Grants.
395.
Figures are not kept establishing a weighted average level of grants for reactor cattle and, accordingly, it is not possible to make an exact comparison with figures relating to the indices referred to by the Deputy.
However, from the time the present system of grants was introduced in August 1976 the rate of grant for nonpedigree cows and in-calf heifers has been increased by 53 per cent. For nonpedigree cattle under 400 lbs deadweight the increase has been 82 per cent. During the period from mid-August 1976 to mid-August 1979 the increase in the consumer price index was 39.5 per cent. The index of industrial earnings increased by 47.7 per cent in the period June 1976 to December 1978.