§ 3. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the reputation of beef produced in this country by traditional methods, he will be vigilant in ensuring that artificial production methods do not undermine this.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. James H. Hoy)This is essentially a matter in which consumer preference must exert its influence on the market. But, as my right hon. Friend said in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (Mr. Maxwell) on 10th March, he has asked his Scientific Advisory Panel to consider whether intensive systems of production of animals have any effect on the quality and taste of food produced from them.
§ Mr. FarrIs the Minister aware that the recent Price Review will do little to encourage graziers either to maintain the quantity or to improve the quality of beef? As beef rearing in the traditional manner is the result of a long and painstaking process, will the Minister consider another Price Review so that this factor can be taken into consideration?
§ Mr. HoyThe Price Review is the settlement which has been produced. The hon. Member's supplementary question has nothing to do with the Question on the Paper.