§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what assessment he has made of the impact of the Italian import deposit scheme on intra-EEC beef and cattle trade; and in particular what have been the consequences for United Kingdom beef producers and consumers.
§ Mr. BuchanThe arrangements for imports of cattle and beef into Italy are being changed, though I recognise that they may still cause some disturbance in intra-Community trade. The United Kingdom, however, has little direct trade with Italy in cattle and beef and it is not possible to quantify any indirect effects. We are keeping a close watch on developments.