§ Mr. Hal Millerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the reduction in profitability of abattoirs over the last three years.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith:There is significant overcapacity in the slaughtering industry, although there have been closures in recent years. This has adversely affected profitability in spite of the present stability in total cow numbers and the continuing expansion of the sheep flock.