HC Deb 16 March 1977 vol 928 cc173-4W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision is expected in regard to the consideration by the Community of the present arrangements for the support of beef production in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Bishop

In its proposals on agricultural prices for 1977–78, the Commission has recommended that the Community's internal support mechanisms for beef should be reviewed by the Council in the light of a report that the Commission aims to present by 1st June 1977. They envisage that the Council would take decisions on the future application of intervention and premiums by 31st July. Meanwhile they have proposed that the current internal mechanisms should remain in force and, in particular, that the present variable premium arrangements should continue to 31st July. These proposals, along with the Commission's proposals on beef prices for 1977–78, are currently being considered by the Council.