asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the total amount of subsidy paid to Northern Ireland pig and beef producers in 1974–75; and what the amount is expected to be in the current financial year.

It is not possible to give a firm estimate of the total subsidy to Northern Ireland beef producers in 1975–76 since it will depend largely on the size of variable premia paid. However, the total amount of subsidy paid to Northern Ireland pig and beef producers in 1974–75 and the estimated expenditure on subsidies to pig producers in the current financial year is as follows: