Vol. 442 No. 5
24 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the way in which cattle prices in the first quarter of 1994, that is in respect of steers, heifers, cows and calves compared with the corresponding period in each of the years 1991 to 1993.
72 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the level of steer prices in the first quarter of 1994 compared with the figures in each of the years 1990 to 1992; and the approximate compensation payable to farmers in respect of each steer arising out of CAP reform.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 72 together.
The information requested in relation to cattle prices is in the form of a tabular statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report. I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the development in cattle prices between 1992, which was the last year prior to the introduction of CAP reform, and 1994; prices for steers, heifers, cows and calves have increased by 8 per cent, 16 per cent, 21 per cent and 15 per cent respectively in the first quarter of 1994 compared to the corresponding period in 1992.
The 1992 CAP reform package provided for substantial increases in premium payments to farmers. The maximum payable on a steer at 1994 premium rates is £205.04 per head. This consists of the special beef premium of £73.23 per head which is payable at 10 months and 22 months and the extensification premium, which amounts to £29.29 per head and which is also payable at both 10 months and 22 months on steers in holdings with a stocking density of less than 1.4 livestock units per hectare. In addition, steers slaughtered in the period 1 January — 30 April, 1994 can qualify for a deseasonalisation premium worth £58.58 per head. This brings the maximum premium payable on steers at 1994 rates to £263.62 per head compared to £35.15 per head in 1992.
Following is the tabular statement:
