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Beef (Subsidies)

Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what subsidies are paid to beef farmers in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) other European Union countries. [23358]

Mr. Rooker: Beef farmers in all EU Member States, including the UK, may apply for subsidies under two EU-funded headage Schemes. The Suckler Cow Premium (SCP) Scheme provides an annual payment in respect of female breeding animals, while the Beef Special Premium (BSP) Scheme provides either one or two payments in respect of each male animal fattened for slaughter. Automatic "extensification" payments are made under both schemes to claimants with stocking rates below set levels. Additional EU-funded SCP payments are made to producers in geographical areas within the Union, including Northern Ireland, which meet certain economic and agricultural criteria. Limited nationally funded SCP payments are also made in some Member States. A Deseasonalisation Premium, designed to encourage a more even pattern of slaughterings throughout the year, may also be paid to producers in Member States where concentration of slaughtering in a certain time frame has historically proved a problem. All EU producers in Less Favoured Areas may additionally claim under national schemes (part-EU funded) designed to offset the structural handicap they face. In the UK, payments are made per head of eligible breeding cow under the Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances scheme.

Genetically Modified Foods

Mr. Baker: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the United States Government in respect of the possible segregation of genetically modified foods; and if he will make a statement. [23405]

Mr. Rooker: The Department has close working contact with US Government officials on food issues including genetically modified foods and segregation.

19 Jan 1998 : Column: 448

However, World Trade Organisation rules do not permit Governments to demand the segregation of crops that have been approved as safe.

Genetically Modified Crops

Mr. Baker: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if measures to require segregation of genetically modified crops would constitute a breach of World Trade Organisation agreements; and if he will make a statement. [23406]

Mr. Rooker: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones) on 17 July 1997, Official Report, column 504.

Beef Imports (Argentina)

Mr. Key: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what concessionary tariff arrangements are available on beef imported from Argentina; and if he will make a statement. [23977]

Mr. Rooker: Argentina, along with certain other named countries, is able to benefit from the following concessionary tariff arrangements for imports of beef into the European Community:



In addition, such countries may export beef under concessionary import tariff arrangements which are open to all exporting countries. Under these concessionary import tariff arrangements, beef may enter the Community at reduced or zero levy.

Concessionary import arrangements are made under World Trade Organisation Agreements, to the proper observance of which the UK Government are deeply committed. The volume of imports allowed under these concessionary schemes amount to only 5 per cent. of total community production.