Beef Production

HC Deb 17 February 1977 vol 926 c365W

61. Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the current situation in the beef industry.

Mr. Bishop

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Members for Canterbury (Mr. Crouch) and Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Spence).

62. Mr. Henderson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on current profitability of beef producers.

Mr. Bishop

Systems, conditions and costs of beef production vary widely, but the latest Meat and Livestock Commission costings indicate that in general gross margins at the beginning of 1977 were well above those at the beginning of 1976. In recent months fat cattle prices have remained substantially above the seasonal target price and the prospect for 1977 as a whole is for a firm beef market in the United Kingdom.