§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he proposes to take to improve the standard of livestock in the United Kingdom. [48781]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 3 July 1998]: In the financial year 1997–98, the Department spent some £10 million on research into livestock science, the broad thrust of which is to improve the performance of British livestock.
§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria he uses to determine the standard of livestock in the United Kingdom. [48780]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 3 July I998]: EU legislation provides for the classification of carcases of slaughtered cattle, sheep and pigs by reference to conformation and fat cover. Abattoir operators are encouraged (but not required) to fix prices to producers on the basis of the classification reached by carcases at slaughter.