§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from the farming unions concerning the problems of Welsh beef producers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntI have received representations from the farming unions concerning the effects of interest rates and BSE on Welsh beef producers' returns and about the level of suckler cow premium. My agriculture colleagues and I are currently considering the suckler cow premium rate for 1990–91 and will make an announcement as soon as possible.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take urgent steps to assist the beef farmers of Wales following the recent difficulties in that sector; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntBeef producers in Wales will benefit from the intervention arrangements agreed in 1989. At the tender which closed on 30 May 1990, all United Kingdom bids were accepted and some 2,045 tonnes of beef will be purchased into intervention in Great Britain over the two weeks ending on 15 June. At the beef management committee meeting on 1 June it was also agreed that a further tender for automatic intervention should be opened immediately.