§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the reduction in size necessary in the United Kingdom specialist beef herd to make it economically sustainable in the long term; and if he will make a statement indicating the period of time over which the restructuring is to be achieved. [25244]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 26 January 1998]: No. Adjustment is a continuing process and it is for individual farmers to assess their ability to compete within the single market of the European Union. However, our officials are discussing with farming organisations in what way the Government might be able to assist farmers to adjust.