asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now cancel the ban on beef imports into the United Kingdom from outside the Common Market.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Common Market ban on beef imports is due to end.

The suspension of import licences for beef and veal is a Community measure to which no definite time limit has been set. The Commision is engaged in consultation with the non-EEC supplying countries about new arrangements under which imports can be resumed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what countries have protested against the ban on beef imports into the Common Market.

The following non-EEC countries have made representations to the Community about the suspension of the issue of import licences: Australia, Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, Hungary, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Poland, Romania, Swaziland, Sweden, Uruguay, United States, Yugoslavia.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total tonnage of beef imported into this country during the 12 months ended September 1973 and September 1974, respectively, divided so far as is possible into the classifications of good average quality and fair average quality; and what is the estimate of the imports of beef during the same period in 1974–75.

It is not possible to classify beef imports in the way requested, but the total quantity of fresh, chilled and frozen beef imported into the United Kingdom during the periods in question was as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a lump sum retrospective payment for all certificated beef animals sold since 15th August 1974.

No.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from farmers concerning the continued ban on the export of live cattle.

We have received representations from many farmers and from several organisations representing farmers urging that export licensing of food animals should be resumed under the safeguards recommended by the O'Brien Committee.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a further statement on the livestock situation.

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement to the House on 21st November—[Vol. 881, c. 1535.]— and my speech in the debate on agriculture on 25th November.—[Vol. 882, c. 55.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what provision he has made for extra storage facilities if the intervention purchase of beef leads to a demand that exceeds normal storage capacity.

As my right hon. Friend said on 21st November—[Vol. 881, c. 1535]—there is no likelihood of a "beef mountain" being accumulated in the United Kingdom. Under the conditions negotiated in Brussels on 18th-19th November support buying at relatively low prices is only supplementary to the other measures taken to provide a guarantee to producers. The Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce is in continual consultation with the trade interests concerned about availability of storage and other necessary facilities.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how his scheme of 21st October for the subsidising of the private storage of beef will be affected by his proposals for a return to an intervention system as announced on 21st November.

The two schemes are separate and will remain in operation side by side. The use that is made of either will depend on the commercial judgment of the meat trade and the movement of market prices.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will explain how the wholesale intervention measures for beef announced on 31st October will help producers; what is to happen to the beef so stored after the six-month period; and how these measures are affected by the negotiations in the European Council of Ministers on the 18th-19th November.

The announcement of 31st October referred to the scheme for aids to provide storage of beef. This provides for meat traders to continue to store meat for periods of from four to six months. The purpose is to relieve the current pressure of supplies and thus strengthen market prices, in the expectation that the supply situation will be easier by the time the meat comes out of store. Keeping some beef on the hook rather than the hoof should also help relieve the demands on fodder supplies.Beef stored under these arrangements remains in private ownership. Its disposal at the end of the storage period will be a matter for commercial judgment. This scheme is not affected by the arrangements agreed at the Council of Ministers' meeting on 18th-19th November.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when next he expects to meet his EEC colleagues.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he next proposes to meet his colleagues in the European Community.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Mid-Oxon (Mr. Hurd) on 27th November.—[Vol. 882, c. 168.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the size of beef production in 1975 and 1976 as compared with the current year.

A precise forecast of the level of future production is not possible, but my present estimate is that adequate supplies will be available throughout 1975 and into 1976. As an indicator of the future production potential in England and Wales, the September 1974 sample livestock inquiry shows that during that month the total cattle breeding herd was 1 per cent. higher than a year earlier.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he can give an estimate of the sums of money which have been lost by beef producers in the United Kingdom because of his refusal to accept the european common agricultural policy of intervention since March 1974.

No such estimate is feasible since it is not possible to assess what would have been the level of market prices if full-scale intervention had been in operation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what percentage the costs of beef production have increased since 17th July 1974.

No meaningful assessment can be made since movements in the costs of beef production vary widely according to the systems and conditions of production of individual farmers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date he expects to introduce measures to support beef production in the United Kingdom.

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement to the House on 21st November.—[Vol. 881, c. 1535.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much of the 7·7p per gallon of milk recently awarded to dairy farmers is by way of retrospective payment for costs incurred; up to what date such retrospection was calculated; on what date the 7·7p payment will terminate; what will take its place; and if he will make a statement.

The recent increase of 7·7p per gallon in the producer price is intended to meet increased production costs over the period to March 1975 and it is being paid on production in the months of October 1974 to March 1975. The guaranteed price for 1975–76 will be determined, as usual, in the light of the conclusions reached during the 1975 annual review.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present situation with regard to supplies of liquid milk; and if he will make a statement.

Production of milk in the United Kingdom in the 12 months ended September 1974 totalled some 2,898 million gallons of which 1,676 million gallons were sold for liquid consumption. Although there has been an increase in liquid consumption and some reduction in supplies, home production should continue to be sufficient to meet liquid demand in full.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) in view of the decline in the dairy herd, what steps he proposes to take to reverse this trend.

The Government are committed to the expansion of milk production throughout the United Kingdom. The measures that have been adopted, in particular, the recent increase of over £100 million in dairy farmers' returns and the new support arrangements in the beef sector provide a sound basis for this expansion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a White Paper outlining the progress made to date to alter the working of the CAP.

No. The White Paper on Developments in the European Communities published on 20th November indicated the progress made up to the end of October. Developments since then have been fully explained to the House in statements which my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary and I made respectively on 13th and 21st November and also in the Supply Day debate on 25th November. —[Vol. 881, c. 403, c. 1535; Vol. 882, c. 55.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the operation of the CAP; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Howells) on 29th November.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken to improve the quality of British slaughterhouses.

Enforcement of the regulations governing hygiene and prevention of cruelty in slaughterhouses is a local authority responsibility. These regulations are reviewed periodically and proposals for the updating and strengthening of the Slaughterhouses (Hygiene) Regulations 1958 are at present the subject of consultation with trade and other interests.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he intends to take to encourage farmers, co-operatives and marketing organisations; and, in particular, whether he will review the size of the statutory shareholding.

It has been the policy of the Government for many years to encourage farmers' co-operatives and marketing organisations; the Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural co-operation was set up by my right hon. Friend and his colleagues in 1967 specifically for this purpose. Its work in marketing is now being expanded following the decision early this year to increase its resources for this purpose by £250,000 a year. The Government are strongly in favour of raising, by legislation, the statutory limit on shareholdings in industrial and provident societies as soon as parliamentary time allows.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, following the reference of the NFU Development Trust's offer for the ordinary capital of FMC to the Monopolies Commission, whether he will propose other ways in which British farmers can help themselves by organising their production and marketing and by developing their own integrated business with their own money.

The reference to which the hon. Member has drawn attention in no way represents any change in the Government's policy which is to encourage development towards more efficient production and marketing, including the development of agricultural co-operation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a satement on his policy on the principle of agricultural co-operation, in the light of the Government's reference of the NFU Development Trust's offer for the ordinary capital of FMC to the Monopolies Commission.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection made the reference because the proposed acquisition raises issues of public interest which require detailed investigation. Neither the NFU Development Trust Ltd. nor FMC Ltd. is an agricultural co-operative. It remains the policy of this Government to encourage agricultural co-operation. The Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural Co-operation administers a scheme of grants for co-operatives; other measures of encouragement include loan guarantees and special provision under restrictive trade practices legislation. The Agricultural and Forestry Associations Order 1974, laid before the House on 14th November, will exempt from registration under that legislation new classes of agreements entered into by first and second-tier co-operatives. I am confident that their operations will be significantly helped by it.

asked the Ministre of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now consider setting up a meat marketing board.

No. Under the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958 the initiative for the establishment of any marketing board rests with the producers concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will set up an inquiry into the marketing and distribution of fish.

No. There is no evidence to justify any such special inquiry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make public his Department's plans designed to ensure that the World Food Conference's pledge to end hunger within a decade is made a reality; and when he expects to do so.

An end to hunger in the world can only be achieved by the efforts of the international community as a whole, and it will need a series of good harvests. Among the measures proposed by the World Food Conference in which my Department will play a part are those concerned with a global information system on food and agriculture and world food security. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Overseas Development is responsible for many aspects of the conference proposals and made statements in reply to Questions on 25th November.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what binding arrangements he has made to ensure an adequate supply of sugar to meet the country's requirements in 1975.

Negotiations are about to begin on a long-term agreement with the developing exporting countries of the Commonwealth, which will supersede the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement at the end of this year. In addition, the EEC Council of Ministers has decided that measures should be taken to ensure an adequate supply of sugar throughout the Community at common prices during the current marketing year. Lastly, the increase in quotas and prices should encourage our beet growers to expand production.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much sugar was distributed in Great Britain during the previous six months and during the same periods in 1972 and 1973.

The estimated quantity entering distribution in the United Kingdom in the six months ending 30th September 1974 was 1·45 million tons, compared with 1·22 million and 1·32 million tons in the corresponding periods of 1973 and 1972.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what future role he forecasts for Commonwealth sugar imports when the EEC will be self-sufficient in sugar in 1975.

The EEC is offering to guarantee access for specific quantities of Commonwealth sugar. The guarantee is for an indefinite period, and will apply whatever the level of the Community's own production.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what prices he considers necessary for sugar to ensure Commonwealth sugar supplies in 1975.

The hon. Member can hardly expect me to quote a price at a time when the negotiations with the countries concerned are just starting. But I consider that the recent decision of the EEC Council of Ministers on these negotiations will permit an adequate price to be offered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will explain what form State aid will take as announced in his statement of 21st November 1974 on the future price structure of sugar imports of Commonwealth sugar.

The EEC Council of Agricultural Ministers agreed at its November meeting that, in the exceptional circumstances of high world prices, the price paid to suppliers in the developing Commonwealth countries, at least in 1975, could exceed the basic price to be guaranteed by the Community; that the additional amounts should be negotiated between sellers and buyers; and that, if necessary, State guarantees could be given to the buyers in accordance with the opinion of the EEC Commission. It is not possible at this stage to say whether such guarantees will be necessary or, if so, what form they would take.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he now expects regulations for the labelling of artificial proteins and meat substitutes in food products to be made.

I will consider this in the light of the Food Standards Committee's Report on Novel Protein Foods which is being printed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much beef from the Common Market beef mountain has been sold to the USSR directly or indirectly in 1974.

Meat released from intervention stores may be bought by private traders, and the arrangements for marketing it thereafter are a matter for normal commercial transaction. Details of such transactions are not available. No special assistance is given under Community arrangements for sales to Eastern Europe.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to introduce new measures designed to assist the viability and stability of the horticultural industry; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he intends to help horticulturists after the expiry of the current fuel oil subsidy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he intends to take after 31st December 1974 to safeguard the horticulture industry in view of the continuing oil shortage.

I would refer the hon. Members to my reply to the hon. Member for Eastleigh (Mr. Price) on 7th November.—[Vol. 880, c. 190.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress of his consideration of the provision of operating subsidies for British fishing vessels.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the progress of his consideration of the application of the British fishing industry for a subsidy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the application of the British Trawler-Federation for a fishing subsidy.

This matter is under active consideration, but I have nothing to add to my reply of 7th November to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall).—[Vol. 880, c. 1232–3.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to safeguard the future of the fishing industry in view of the difficulties created by the present oil shortage.

The major fuel price increases occurred 12 months ago but form just one element in the cost structure. As I said in my reply of 7th November—[Vol. 880, c. 1232–1233]— to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) we are currently considering an application for the grant of some form of subsidy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what forecasts he has received from the British Trawler Federation of the estimated operating deficits of the fishing industry for the next year; and whether he will make a statement on the stage of his consideration concerning its application for a subsidy.

I cannot yet add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 7th November.—[Vol. 880, c. 191–2.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what Government aid is available to the fishing industry in Great Britain; how such aid compares with that available in other European countries; and whether the Government propose to increase their aid to the industry.

Government aid to the fishing industry in Great Britain is given directly by means of grants and loans for the construction and improvement of fishing vessels and indirectly by such means as improvement grants for fisheries harbours. The industry also benefits from the fiscal and regional provisions more generally available.No direct comparison with aids available in other European countries is possible as disproportionate time and effort would be needed to identify such aids with accuracy and to compile a comprehensive list.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present level of import duties or levies imposed on cheese imported into the United Kingdom from outside the Common Market.

Rates of levy and compensatory amounts vary according to circumstance, and information about current rates is published by the Intervention Board for Agriculture. The present rate of levy on imports of cheddar cheese from New Zealand under Protocol 18 arrangements is £311·38 a ton. From other non-EEC countries the net levy is £386·52 a ton.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present size of Common Market beef stocks; and what tonnage of beef has been sold outside the EEC at reduced prices this year.

Statistics concerning intervention operations are kept by the EEC Commission and not by my Department. I understand that total stocks of beef in intervention stores in mid-November were about 234,000 metric tons. The export of beef, whether bought from intervention stocks or direct from the market, is carried out by private traders through normal commercial transactions and details of these are not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the outcome of the recent Rome conference on world food supplies.

Yes. The conference passed a series of resolutions which, if properly implemented, will increase the amount of resources being diverted towards agricultural production in developing countries, will assist food aid policy, trade in agricultural produce and the achievement of world food security.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in the interests of farmers and consumers, he will now reintroduce the system of guaranteed prices and deficiency payments for the main foodstuffs.

The guarantees for milk, sheep and wool, pigs, potatoes and cereals are still in operation. I could not consistently with the Act of Accession re-introduce guaranteed prices and deficiency payments for other major commodities. But I have recently negotiated and announced variable premia for beef which provide producers with an assured return.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of do-it-yourself artificial insemination.

Proposals for changes in the controls exercised over the artificial insemination of cattle and pigs were recently circulated to the industry and the veterinary profession for comment. The prosals include the restriction of "Doit-Yourself" AI, except in the remoter areas of Scotland, to circumstances where the bull and the females to be inseminated are in the same ownership. This restriction, however, would not apply in the case of pig semen which cannot at present be frozen and stored successfully for any length of time.Many comments have been received on the proposals, including a number from those who wish to make greater use of DIY AI. Comments from a few of the organisations concerned, including the National Farmers' Union and British Veterinary Association, have still to be received. Until the views of all interested organisations have been received it would be premature for me to make a statement on the future of DIY AI.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present level of import duties or levies imposed on beef imported into the United Kingdom from outside the Common Market.

Full details of import duties are contained in the Import Duties (General) No. 8 Order (1973). Current information about rates of levy and compensatory amounts is published weekly by the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce from which details can be obtained. The rates of levy for imports vary according to the cut of beef. Net United Kingdom levies at present range from £7·8146 per cwt. for bone-in fresh and chilled forequarters beef to £17·1494 per cwt. for frozen boneless cuts. The only beef at present imported is free of levies under the GATT quota arrangements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what stage he has reached in his discussions with EEC members upon the export of live animals; and, if those discussions have been completed, what are his conclusions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made with his discussions with the European Economic Community on the ways of improving standards of welfare in the transit of farm animals for slaughter and the avoidance of cruelty at slaughterhouses.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley) on 3rd December. It would not be appropriate to announce the Government's conclusions in advance of the debate that my right hon. Friend has promised.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the loss of elm trees from the countryside, he will give greater protection to our remaining hardwoods; and, in particular, if he will amend the present licensing laws whereby up to 825 cubic feet of timber may be felled each quarter without prior consent.

The importance of hardwoods in the rural environment is fully appreciated, as was made clear in the statement on forestry policy made to this House on 5th July 1974.—[Vol. 876, c. 288–90.] My right hon. Friends are considering whether any changes in the statutory provisions are desirable to maintain and improve tree cover in the countryside.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the cost to the Exchequer of Government support for the beef industry to 18th November; and what is the estimated cost of the scheme announced in his statement of 21st November.

Prior to 18th November direct support from the United Kingdom Exchequer through payments of calf subsidy, beef premium and advancement of the 1975 payments of hill cow and beef cow subsidy was estimated at about £140 million in 1974–75. The cost of the variable premium scheme from 18th November 1974 to 31st January 1975 will depend on the level of market prices, but could possibly be of the order of £15 million.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the recent EEC Commission's proposal to cut the Community glasshouse acreage by 30 per cent.; and what effect this will have upon the United Kingdom glasshouse industry.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Hastings) on 7th November—[Vol. 880, c. 190.]

asked the Minister of agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the continuing increases in the cost of fuel, why he refuses to extend the temporary subsidy on fuel oil to the glasshouse industry beyond the end of 1974; and if he has made an estimate of the number of glasshouse units which will go out of production in the next year if the subsidy is not extended.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Westmorland (Mr. Jopling) on 12th November.—[Vol. 881, c.92.] There has been no increase in the cost of fuel oils used by the glasshouse industry since my right hon. Friend announced the temporary subsidy on 11th April this year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his policy to formulate long-term plans for the production and supply of food to meet the needs of the British population over the period of the next 30 years or more in the light of the growing world food problem.

Detailed plans for such a long period ahead cannot be relied on. But in determining our agricultural and trading policies we have very much in mind the longer-term considerations. As was stated in the Gracious Speech, we recognise the value to the nation of expanding domestic food production economically and efficiently.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take steps to make it an offence to burn straw in the fields after harvesting, unless specific permission is given by his Department for this to be done.

No. I am not satisfied that this would be any improvement on the present system of reliance on the straw burning code and the regulations of burning by local byelaws. The Government are actively considering measures to reduce waste of straw and encouraging research into its economic use.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now discontinue his support of farm amalgamation schemes.

No.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will discuss with local authorities and interested voluntary organisations a Dig for Britain Campaign to encourage maximum food production from public allotments and private gardens.

The Government are committed to a policy of encouraging the maximum economic production of food in the United Kingdom. The contribution of allotments and domestic gardens to food production is very welcome.Local allotment authorities can contribute through the provision of sufficient land for allotments to meet demand. There are opportunities for voluntary bodies to encourage economic cropping.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the likely impact of capita] transfer tax on the level of United Kingdom tree planting; what representations he has received on this subject; and what replies have been given.

We have received representations from a number of individual woodland owners and from forestry organisations, including the Forestry Committee of Great Britain. Several hon. Members have also written to my right hon. Friends.We have taken very careful note of all the views expressed and these are now being considered. No conclusions have yet been reached.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the estimated acreage of United Kingdom tree planting for the latest available 12 months; and how this compares with the corresponding period for the previous three years.

Planting, including restocking, by the Forestry Commission, the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland and the private sector is given in the following table:

	Great Britain Planting(acres)	Northern Ireland Planting(acres)
Year to 31st March
1974	112,100	4,600
1973	117,800	4,400
1972	125,300	5,050
1971	127,500	4,900

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider the need to increase the wool guarantee.

This is one of the matters which will be considered in the forthcoming annual review. Discussions with the farmers' unions are due to begin early in January.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the drop in milk production in the South-West and elsewhere, he is satisfied that there will be adequate supplies of cream to the consumer this Christmas.

I appreciate the problem this winter. But the trade has always given high priority to the requirements of this market at Christmas and I expect them to be met this year, bearing in mind that for a few days over the Christmas period the industry intends to draw on supplies of milk normally used for other products.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the decline in milk production in the South-West of England, he will make a statement on the prospects for the resumption of the manufacture of English butter.

The quantities of milk used for particular products are determined by those engaged in the trade, in the light of the market situation, including the demand for particular products and the total quantity of milk available for manufacture.The measures the Government have taken to increase milk producers' returns were designed to stimulate production and increase the total quantity of milk available for manufacture.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much butter imports into the United Kingdom have increased this year so far.

Provisional figures for the nine months ended September 1974, the latest period for which figures are available, show that imports of butter into the United Kingdom have increased by 39,600 tons over the same period of 1973.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the storage of milk for manufacturing, he is satisfied that there will be adequate supplies of cheese in the shops.

Yes. Although there has been a decline in the total quantity of milk available for manufacture there has been a substantial increase in the quantity used to make cheese.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of persons (a) killed and (b) injured, necessitating three days or more off work, employed in agriculture during 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973.

During these four years fatal accidents to farm workers in England and Wales totalled 31, 47, 40 and 31 respectively. Available statistics for absences relate to periods of more than three days, whether due to injury or prescribed disesases, and are 6,291, 5,711, 5,755 and 5,259 respectively.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will indicate how his latest negotiations in the EEC Council of Ministers will affect the pattern of Irish imports of cattle for slaughter in the United Kingdom.

I assume that the right hon. Member is referring to the variable premium scheme for beef. I would not expect the scheme to have any significant effect on the pattern of imports from the Irish Republic.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in order to ensure the maximum up-take of the sugar beet acreage next year, he will consider announcing the 1975–76 sugar beet contract price early to ensure the maximum up-take of this contract.

The price which beet growers will receive for the 1975 crop will compromise the minimum price fixed by the EEC plus various allowances covering transport costs, the value of the pulp, and so on. The method of calculating these allowances has been negotiated between the British Sugar Corporation and the National Farmers' Union, and is set out in the contract forms which the corporation has sent to growers. As my hon. Friend said in answer to a Question this afternoon, we expect that next week's meeting of the EEC Council of Agriculture Ministers will approve a proposal to increase the United Kingdom minimum beet price from £863 per long ton—basis 16 per cent, sugar content—to £10·68 per long ton with effect from 1st January 1975. This price is 64p per ton higher than that applicable in most other member States of the Community. In addition, the EEC Commission has proposed that the latter price should be raised by 16 per cent, in two stages, the first on 1st February 1975 and the second on 1st July 1975. This proposal, if adopted, would result in a United Kingdom minimum beet price for the 1975 crop of £12·28 per long ton, over 40 per cent, higher than its present level and 60 per cent, higher than the minimum price applicable for the 1973 crop. To the minimum price must be added the value of the allowances for pulp and transport. These cannot be precisely known in advance. For the 1974 crop, however, they are estimated at £2·40 and £1 per ton respectively. I consider that prices of this order should certainly encourage the expansion in beet acreage which we need.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the present state of the proposed new capital transfer tax proposals on farms; and if he will indicate how these taxes will be paid, and how they will affect the profitability of the farming industry.

The Finance Bill containing details of the capital transfer tax will be published shortly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the latest fodder situation and on the latest negotiations between officials and the National Farmers' Union; and what action he intends to take to relieve the present situation,

If there are any further practical measures which might be taken, I would hope to announce these shortly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his future long-term strategy for the agriculture industry and how he intends to achieve it.

As I made clear in the debate on 25th November, we are engaged in long-term talks with the industry. We have now received the views of the farmers' unions on priorities and a further meeting has been held this week. I hope to make the conclusions available when the discussions are completed, probably in association with the results of the 1975 annual review.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take action to relieve the present financial burdens on the poultry industry; and if he will review this industry, as a matter of urgency, in the context of the full Community review.

The economic condition of and prospects for the poultry industry will be considered during the annual review of agriculture which will begin shortly. It would be premature to prejudge the outcome of this reveiw.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out the precise details of the increased hill cow, hill beef and hill sheep subsidies announced on 3rd October; if he will indicate what increase farmers will receive on each eligible animal; when they will receive it; and what money will be made available next year for the continuation of the subsidy.

Under the hill cow schemes producers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland received £24·50 per eligible cow in respect of the 1974 qualifying date in June. As soon as possible in 1975 they will receive a further payment of £24·50 per eligible cow in respect of the 1975 qualifying date of 1st January.Under the beef cow schemes, producers in Northern Ireland who have recently received £11 per eligible animal in respect of the 1974 qualifying date in June will receive a further payment of £11 per eligible cow early next year in respect of the 1975 qualifying date of 1st January. In England and Wales, where the 1974 qualifying date for this scheme is 31st December and the new qualifying date will also now become 1st January, payments in respect of 1974 and 1975 will be paid together, so producers will receive a double payment of £22 per eligible cow early next year.For both the hill cow and beef cow subsidies the new qualifying date will continue to be used so the next payments will become due as from 1st January 1976. The detailed arrangements in Scotland, which are a matter for the Secretary of State, are somewhat different, but the effect on Scottish farmers will be broadly the same.Under the hill sheep schemes the December qualifying date remains unchanged throughout the United Kingdom and as from this week the lower rate per eligible ewe has been increased from £1·20 to £2·25 and the higher rate from £1·75 to £3 per eligible animal.All these payments will be made as quickly as possible after applications have been received in order to improve producers' cash flows and help them pay their feed bills this winter.The future level of the rates for these subsidies is a matter for discussion at the annual review.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the workings of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement; and if he will make a statement.

I am satisfied with the operation of the agreement in relation to agricultural products but to some extent it has been overtaken by the application of the common agricultural policy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to ensure that tax allowances due as a result of life insurance premiums paid by a married woman in employment are credited against the woman's tax liability as of right.

The present rules ensure this when a married woman claims separate assessment. In other cases relief is normally due to the husband, who is liable to pay any tax due on the combined income of himself and his wife.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what alternative means of short-term saving the Government are considering making available to low income families in the absence of the l0p savings stamp.

There are already available in the National Savings Bank and the trustee savings banks short-term savings facilities for families at all income levels. Certain nationalised industries already make arrangements for payment of bills by instalments; in addition, the Government are arranging for the introduction of a TV licence scheme for those who used the savings stamp for this purpose. The Government are also considering with the National Savings Committee the implications of the decision to discontinue the stamp.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of taxes received by the Treasury, under all headings, in each of the last seven years from the United Kingdom shipbuilding industry.

Estimates of tax payments by companies in individual industries are not available. Estimates of corporation tax assessed on companies in the shipbuilding and marine engineering industry have recently been running at about £4 million a year. Estimates of receipts of income tax for these companies in respect of distributions and annual payments have been running at £2 million or £3 million.The industry is, in general, relieved of indirect taxation by payments of shipbuilders' relief, by the application of the,

£million
				Corporation tax assessed on profits of accounting periods ending in the year	Income tax deducted from distributions and annual payments made in the year	Income tax deducted under PAYE in the year
1966–67	…	…	…	2	1	28
1967–68	…	…	…	3	2	32
1968–69	…	…	…	4	3	33
1969–70	…	…	…	4	3	41
1970–71	…	…	…	4	3	44
1971–72	…	…	…	4*	2	48
1972–73	…	…	…	†	2	46*
* Provisional.
† Not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will end the direct assessment of war widows below pensionable age by transferring their total tax liability to the PAYE scheme.

As I explained in my reply to the hon. Member's previous Question—[Vol. 882, c. 323]—where it is possible to deduct the full liability under PAYE this is already done. But there are some cases where sufficient tax cannot be deducted under PAYE, and in these there is no satisfactory alternative to direct collection.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out those countries which have ceilings to total personal tax liability; and indicate what those ceilings are.

The following is the information requested. Additional information about taxes on net wealth is contained in Appendix 3 of the Green Paper on Wealth Tax (Cmnd. 5704).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will establish an Estate Duty Office in Wales similar to those in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The replacement of estate duty by capital transfer tax and the introduction of wealth tax will call for substantial changes in the existing Estate Duty Office structure. The Inland Revenue is considering the form of regional organisation which will be best fitted for the administration of the new capital taxes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated impact on the revenue if travel-to-work costs were allowable against income tax in their entirety, up to £2 per week and up to £5 per week, respectively.

I regret that information on which to base satisfactory estimates is not available, but the cost would be substantial. For example, if all employees in employment received an average relief of £2 per week the current cost would exceed £750 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the tax-free concession for luncheon vouchers was established at its present maximum level of 15p per day; what would be the equivalent level in real terms today; and what would be the cost of uprating it to that level.

A tax concession on luncheon vouchers has been given since 1948 but the concession in its exist- ing form dates from 1959. The present equivalent in real terms of 15p in 1959 is 35p as measured by the change in the retail price index. The estimated cost of increasing the concession to that level is £10 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received the submission made on behalf of the Society of Authors in relation to the proposed wealth tax; and if he will make a statement on his policy towards it.

Yes. The way in which copyrights might be treated for wealth tax purposes was discussed in paragraph 40 of the Green Paper on Wealth Tax (Cmnd 5704). My right hon. Friend does not intend to make any further statement on the matter until it has been considered by the Select Committee which the Government have proposed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give priority to schemes for improving invisible exports, in view of the adverse balance of payments; if he will arrange for interdepartmental co-ordination to this end; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. I attach great importance to improving our balance of payments and I shall continue to ensure the fullest possible departmental co-ordination in the consideration of appropriate schemes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has had from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children about the effects of VAT on its financial position; and what was the nature of his reply.

Since the introduction of VAT a number of meetings have been held between the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Customs and Excise, at which possible methods of limiting the society's liability to VAT have been discussed. A further meeting is to be arranged shortly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportions of the £1,000 million he estimates to be the current subsidies to the nationalised industries he attributes to each of the industries concerned; and on what basis he makes his calculation.

My right hon. Friend said in his Budget Statement that revenue support for the nationalised industries as a whole was running at over £1,000 million a year. This was on the basis of payments in respect of the current financial year of the following order:

			£ million
Energy industries	…	…	400
Railways	…	…	350
Post Office	…	…	300

These figures are based on estimated deficits, which are still provisional.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how large, and what percentage, pay rise would be necessary in order that a man with a wife and two children earning £25 per week would find himself 17 per cent, better off in terms of net weekly spending power, defined in the OFFICIAL REPORT, 14th November 1973, column 211.

I have been asked to reply.Net spending power is determined by changes in tax and benefit levels as well as increases in earnings. If the assumptions in the hon. Member's Question applied in October 1974 the family, with children aged 4 and 12, would have had net weekly spending power of £24·28. If this sum represented an increase of 17 per cent, over their net weekly spending power a year earlier, the corresponding figure for October 1973 would have been £20·75, which would have required the husband to have gross weekly earnings of £27·66. Thus, taking into account the intervening Budget and benefit changes, a decrease in earnings of 9·6 per cent, in the period October 1973— October 1974 would have resulted in an increase of 17 per cent, in net weekly spending power.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will give an assurance that no import taxes or levies on food imported into the United Kingdom will be raised in 1975.

No. So far as duties are concerned we are wholly bound under the EEC Accession Treaty to make the tariff moves due on 1st January next, which include, as well as further cuts in duties on all imports from the rest of the Community, some duty increases as well as reductions on imports from third countries. Levies on food are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what estimate his Department has made of the time it would take an average concern to complete the questionnaire issued as part of the inquiry into wholesaling and dealing for 1974 by his Department's Business Statistics Office, Newport; and whether he is satisfied that the information called for is necessary.

The time it will take a business to complete a questionnaire will depend upon the type of form received and how readily the business has the information available. Three types of form are being used; only the largest businesses will be requested to supply the full range of information, while the smallest businesses will be asked to complete a much simpler form. Estimates may be given where difficulty may arise in providing precise figures. I am satisfied that the information called for is necessary. This is the first comprehensive inquiry into wholesaling for nine years and the list of topics has been kept to the minimum which will meet the needs of Government and certain other users. Plans for the inquiry have been scrutinised by the CSO Survey Control Unit and endorsed by the Census of Distribution Advisory Committee.

asked the Seretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement about the operation to decontaminate the "Asiafreighter".

The operation to clear the "Asiafreighter's" hold of arsine gas by use of the ship's ventilation systems in an unfrequented area far out at sea was successfully concluded on 27th November 1974, when samples of the air at the exhaust vents showed no trace of the gas. None the less, there was still a possibility that pockets might remain in the hold, and it was therefore entered and tested by the Managing Director of Air Products (UK) Ltd. on the same day. Samples in the lowest parts of the hold again showed no signs of gas. The vessel was therefore allowed to proceed to Rotterdam for the unloading of the cargo destined for that port. As my right hon. Friend informed the House on 18th November 1974—[Vol. 881, c. 896-8.]— he appointed an inspector to investigate the incident under Section 728 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894. The inspector went to Rotterdam to be present for the opening of the affected container. We shall consider what further action is necessary when we receive his report.I should like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation of the efforts and the undoubted courage of the master and his officers, the Managing Director of Air Products Ltd. of New Maiden, and his colleagues, and Dr. Roy Goulding of Guy's Hospital, all of whom went to sea on this vessel to undertake the task of clearing the hold. While every step was taken to ensure their safety and none has been affected by gas, their actions to resolve a dangerous situation, which was in no way of their making, deserve high commendation.I am sure that all Members of the House will join me in wishing those members of the crew who were earlier affected by the gas and are still in hospital a swift recovery.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what arrangements have been made for consultations during the course of the civil aviation policy review; and what are its terms of reference.

The terms of reference are

"to consider what changes may be desirable to United Kingdom civil aviation policy, as embodied in the Civil Aviation Policy Guidance approved by Parliament in March 1972, in the light of the present economic and financial position and prospects of the British civil air transport industry.'

Arrangements have been put in hand to offer those organisations most closely interested the opportunity of making known their views on the issues to be covered by the review. Any other organisation or individual who wishes to express views may do so by writing to the Secretary to the review at Room 217 Shell Mex House, Strand, London W.C.2, by 17th January at the latest.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if, in the light of her policy of encouraging British farmers to improve their own marketing arrangements at their own expense, she will explain the reasons for Her Majesty's Government's decision to submit to the Monopolies Commission the NFU Development Trust's offer for FMC in an attempt by British farmers to organise marketing at their own expense.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection upon what general criteria she decided to refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the bid by the NFU Development Trust Ltd. for the ordinary share capital of FMC Ltd.; and if she will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what were the reasons for the reference of the Fatstock Marketing Corporation to the Monopolies Commission; and if she will reconsider the decision to refer it.

The proposed acquisition of FMC Ltd. by the NFU Development Trust was referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for investigation and report because it raised substantial questions of public interest.The reference does not prejudge whether or not the acquisition would be contrary to the public interest; that is for the commission to report after investigation. I intend to await the outcome of the commission's inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she is aware that many smaller petrol retailers, especially in rural areas like Suffolk, are at present trading at a near net loss because of the absence of viable margins between the costs of obtaining and selling petrol and permitted retail prices; and if she will urge the Price Commission to speed up its inquiry into these margins and meanwhile authorise an interim adjustment sufficient to enable those garages to stay in business.

I must make it clear that my right hon. Friend is not directly responsible for increases in petrol margins. Statutory responsibility lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Price Commission is working with all possible speed on the petrol margin inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in his review of the problems of caravan dwellers, he will take into account the situation facing owners of caravans for pleasure due to site operators increasing site fees, introducing controls over the ages of acceptable caravans, and requiring the purchase of new caravans; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to give protection to this type of caravan owner.

I have been asked to reply.I am considering with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and with the Director General of Fair Trading how holiday caravan owners might be protected against the imposition by site operators of inequitable terms.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will seek powers to prevent take-overs by brewery firms resulting in monopoly conditions.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for West-houghton (Mr. Stott) and the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 3rd December 1974.—[Vol. 882, c. 464-5.]