§ Mr. Wattasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to update the grading standards for fat cattle to reflect more closely present-day market requirements and the customer's preference for lean meat.
§ Mr. William RossI have been asked to reply.
The minimum qualifying standards for fat cattle under the Beef Premium Scheme are those used in the last years of the Fatstock Guarantee Scheme. Discussions have begun with the Meat and Livestock Commission and the various trade and producer interests to review the standards. Market developments and consumer tastes will be amongst the various aspects covered by the review.