11. Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress his Department has made in developing new markets for beef which was previously exported. [16370]
§ Sir Patrick MayhewSince the ban on the export of beef was imposed, the Government have assisted the industry's marketing effort by setting up a red meat strategy group supporting promotions at UK and international exhibitions, making presentations on the traceability and quality of Northern Ireland beef to retailers and encouraging the development of marketing partnerships between producers, processors and retailers. The Northern Ireland Livestock and Meat Commission received £250,000 of EU money for marketing.