§ 13. Mr. RuaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in his Department's working group to encourage the purchase of British beef. [31415]
§ Mr. SpellarThe working group has been looking in particular at our product specifications and range to ensure that there are no unnecessary obstacles to British beef products. The meetings have been open and constructive and are continuing. I have also had discussions recently with my noble Friend Lord Donoughue, the Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. He has agreed that his Department should approach the European Commission 39W with a view to releasing stocks of British beef held by the intervention boards for use by the armed forces, at a competitive price.
§ 25. Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans to encourage the purchase of British beef for the armed forces and civilian personnel under his control. [31428]
§ Mr. SpellarWith respect to the purchase of beef for the Armed Forces, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Vale of Clwyd (Mr. Ruane) earlier today. My Department does not purchase food for civilian personnel.