HC Deb 20 April 1978 vol 948 c301W
21. Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the latest figure on the output of beef compares with the level forecast in "Food from Our Own Resources"?

Mr. Bishop

United Kingdom home-fed production of beef and veal in 1977 was 1.03 million tonnes. Whilst "Food from Our Own Resources" suggested possible levels of production for various commodities in 1980, it did not make any statement about what the current level of beef production might be.

56. Mr. Knox

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the level of returns in the beef sector of the agricultural industry.

Mr. Bishop

Yes. Average returns to producers of certified cattle have been at or above the levels of the target price scale, which was raised from 30th January following the green pound devaluation. The target price will reach 66.75p per live kilogramme by the end of this month, an increase of over 10p per live kilogramme since last autumn.