Would the Minister accept that the present incentives seem to be ineffective, having particular regard to the fact that 20,000 calves were exported from this country in the 12 months ending 31 October last? Would he also accept that further incentives may be needed to encourage the rearing of calves in the country?

Let me just put on the record, in view of the questions now being asked, the increase in the value of the scheme this year over last year. The 1987 suckler cow premium is £9.76 greater than the 1986 one of £27.04. It is now £37, or to be precise £36.80. That is considerably more than last year. The 1987 calf premium has increased by about 25p over last year. The value of that scheme is £12 million and the value of the first scheme mentioned is £16 million. The 1987 EC special beef premium has been £15.20 since 11 July of this year. Before that it was £14.72 and the value of that scheme is £21 million. There is another reality and that is that what we are seeing here are increased grants and premia on all fronts. The House should recognise that fact.