§ Sir P. Bryanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will comment on the Government's decision to exclude top quality steers from intervention.
§ Mr. BishopThe exclusion of steers (M) for the time being has restricted the use of intervention for beef. The combination of firm market prices and premiums has since March secured producers' returns at or above the target price levels, and thus undue use of intervention is not warranted. My right hon. Friend intends to review the situation at the end of this month in the light of beef market prospects for the autumn.