§ 8. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the total of United Kingdom beef supplies he now estimates will be provided from home-produced beef in 1967–68.
§ Mr. PeartIn recent years home-fed beef has made up just under three-quarters of our supplies. We should exceed three-quarters this year.
§ Mr. Bryant Godman IrvineDoes not the Minister agrees that over 80,000 more calves have been slaughtered in the first six months of this year than in the first six months of last year? Is he not further aware that prices have dropped by 36 per cent. in the last six weeks? Is he not aware that the abatement is causing the same hardship to farmers as it was in October last year? Will he not admit that this is a case in which some drastic action is immediately necessary?
§ Mr. PeartThe hon. Member is going rather wide of the Question. I am answering some of these points specifically in replying to another Question. He should 716 be pleased with the target which I have set and, despite what he said, with the achievements already obtained.