The Dairy Herd Conversion Premium Regulations 1973

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Under Regulation (EEC) No. 1353/73 of the Council of Ministers of the European Communities dated 15th May 1973, as supplemented by Regulation (EEC) No. 1821/73 of the Commission dated 5th July 1973, the details of a scheme are laid down, the purpose of which is to encourage farmers at present engaged in producing and supplying milk or milk products to switch to the production of meat.

The present Regulations make provision for those matters which are left to Member States by the scheme, and which are necessary for its proper implementation in the United Kingdom. They accordingly appoint the “competent authority” which will be responsible for administering the scheme in the various parts of the United Kingdom, and they fix 4th June 1973 as the date by reference to which, among other things, the number of units of bovine animals to be kept by an applicant is to be determined.

The Regulations also provide for powers of entry on to land by authorised officers acting on behalf of the competent authority for the purpose of inspecting and counting animals, and of examining relevant documents.

The Regulations give to the competent authority power to recover premiums paid in certain circumstances, and they also create a number of offences which are punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding £400.