§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he will press for a more stable European Economic Community regime for beef to prevent United Kingdom livestock producers suffering severe financial difficulties; or if not, what other steps he intends to take;
(2) if he will press for a 15 per cent. increase in beef prices above the European Economic Community price review;
(3) whether he will press for an increase in the variable premium on beef production from 7.23p per kilogram to 20p per kilogram in order to avoid a substantial shortfall for the farmer;
(4) whether he will implement the payment of a further £12.37 under the beef suckler cow premium scheme.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithDecisions on the level and pattern of support for the beef market in the coming year will be taken by the Council of Agriculture Ministers in the annual price-fixing negotiations. I assure the hon. Member that we are well aware of the needs and the concern of livestock producers.