HC Deb 03 April 1996 vol 275 cc343-4W
Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to allow farmers affected by the crisis in the beef industry to graze cattle on set-aside land until it is possible to market them. [23846]

Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 1 April 1996]: EU rules do not currently allow the grazing of cattle on set-aside land between 15 January and 31 August. In light of the exceptional and unforeseen difficulties facing UK producers in marketing their cattle, we are discussing urgently with the Commission the possibility of varying this requirement on a temporary basis.