§ Mr. Wardasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many tonnes of beef are held in intervention in each country of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. BishopSeparate statistics are maintained only for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. On 25th June, subject to final verification, about 11,800 tonnes were in store in Great Britain and 2,100 tonnes in Northern Ireland. All the Northern Ireland stocks were purchased in Northern Ireland while the Great Britain stocks include some 4,500 tonnes purchased in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Wardasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of United Kingdom annual consumption of beef is represented by current stocks held in intervention.
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§ Mr. BishopIt is estimated that current stocks of beef held by the United Kingdom in intervention stores represent just over 1 per cent. of consumption in the last 12 months.
§ Mr. Wardasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what method is used to release intervention stocks of beef on to the market; and how prices are fixed.
§ Mr. BishopIntervention stocks of beef held by the United Kingdom are being sold through the Community's "jumelage" scheme, whereby the purchase of beef from intervention stores gives a trader an entitlement to import equivalent quantities from countries outside the EEC, despite present import restrictions. Prices are settled each month by tenders which are adjudicated in the EEC Beef Management Committee.