§ 19. Mr. Gareth Wardellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the likely effect on the retail price of beef of an end to the beef variable premium scheme.
§ Mr. GummerDuring the recent CAP price-fixing negotiations, we were able to secure the continuation of the beef variable premium scheme when the maximum rate236W will, following the devaluation of the green pound, be 16.69 p/kg on eligible carcases at the deadweight stage. This is equivalent to rather over 10.5 p/lb at the retail level on beef from carcases which have benefited from the premium. The actual effect on retail prices does, however, depend upon butchers' pricing, policies for the various types and cuts of meat.