§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the revenue lost to the Treasury as a result of the recent decline in sales and employment in the beef sector. [22595]
§ Mr. DarlingInformation on revenue from beef sales and employment levels in the beef sector is not held centrally. However, MAFF, the other Agriculture Departments, and HM Treasury have commissioned an independent study which aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the economic impact of BSE across the UK economy and the regions. The study, which includes an assessment of the public expenditure and employment effects of the BSE crisis, is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.