HC Deb 12 November 1974 vol 881 cc88-9W
Mr. John H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the stocks of beef available for domestic consumption in Great Britain; and how they compare with the position six months ago and a year ago.

Mr. Bishop

The only available statistics relate to beef and veal stocks held in public cold stores. The figures are as follows:—

19th October 1973, 36,700 tons; 17th May 1974, 29,000 tons; 18th October 1974, 43,200 tons.

It is not known what proportion these figures represent of total stocks.

Fresh beef is a perishable commodity which is not normally held in stock for an extended period. The stocks of fattened cattle in this and other beef producing countries of the Community represent the beef which will be available for domestic consumption.