Government aid worth 119.3m – official

16 November 1998

Government aid worth £119.3m – official

By Johann Tasker

BELEAGURED livestock farmers will receive aid worth £119.3 million under an emergency package announced by the Government this afternoon (Monday).

The aid package is targeted at small producers, hill farms, and those farming on marginal land.

In a deal worth £60m, hill farmers will receive a 55% increase in Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance (HLCA) payments.

Beef farmers will receive £48.3m from increased Suckler Cow Premium payments.

The Government also announced that the Calf Processing Aid Scheme (CPAS) would be increased beyond the end of November, although at a reduced rate worth £11m.

This afternoons announcement was meant to be made simultaneously in England and Wales by Agriculture Minister Nick Brown and the Welsh Secretary Allun Michael.

Mr Browns speech in the House of Commons was delayed by a statement on the crisis in Iraq by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Mr Michaels statement went ahead on schedule at 3.30pm. But Mr Browns speech was delayed until 4.35pm.