HC Deb 28 June 1990 vol 175 cc332-3W
42. Mr. Colin Shepherd

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the prospects for the United Kingdom beef industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

The European Community market support arrangements contain provision for special intervention measures which apply at times of particular market weakness. Under these arrangements, over 5,500 tonnes of beef have been accepted for purchase in the United Kingdom. This increased support buying coupled with the lifting of the import bans imposed by certain member states should help to sustain the beef market.

Mr. Alexander

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether normal shipments of beef have now been resumed to European countries.

Mr. Gummer

Following the 6 June Council of Agriculture Ministers shipments of beef have been resumed to all European Community countries. Austria has imposed import restrictions which we and the Commission are attempting to have lifted as soon as possible.

Mr. Alison

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether his current scientific advice continues to show that beef is safe to eat.

Mr. Gummer

Yes.

Mr. Robert Hicks

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he proposes to introduce any further measures to restore confidence in beef production and consumption; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

Our action on BSE will continue to be based on the best scientific evidence available. As the chief medical officer has said, British beef can be eaten safely by everyone. The special intervention arrangements now operating in the United Kingdom together with the lifting of the import bans imposed by certain countries should help to sustain the market.