2. For paragraph (2) of regulation 3 (application for a premium) of the Sheep Annual Premium Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992 there shall be substituted–
“(2) A producer who applies for a premium in respect of a given marketing year shall deliver his application to the competent authority–
(a)on or after 8th December in the preceding calendar year; and
(b)not later than 8th January in that marketing year (both dates inclusive) or if 8th January is a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday the next following working day.”.