asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the total average returns including both subsidies to beef producers selling on a live-weight basis in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland compare with the target prices for fat cattle in each week since the variable premiums were introduced.

Since variable premiums were introduced on 18th November 1974 target prices, the amounts of beef premium and total average returns to producers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland have been as follows.

Since variable premiums were introduced on 18th November 1974 target prices, the amounts of beef premium and variable premium and total average returns to producers in England and Wales and in Scotland have been as follows. No separate figures are available for Wales.