22. Mr. McCradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he has taken or proposes to take to alleviate the financial position of farmers involved in the beef industry in Northern Ireland.
§ 38. Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he intends to take to improve returns to beef producers in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe have urged my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to seek a devaluation of the United Kingdom green pound in the context of this year's price-fixing round.
We have also asked him to take steps to ensure that the maximum support allowable under the EC beef intervention arrangements is provided for the beef cattle market in Northern Ireland.
The problem of low returns for beef production, particularly winter finishing, in Northern Ireland is not new. There are structural weaknesses in the beef production and processing sectors which need to be addressed and we have asked officials to examine possible solutions to these problems with the farming and commercial interests involved.