HC Deb 16 May 1978 vol 950 cc131-2W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total value of beef held in intervention stores in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Bishop

Subject to final verification, the value of United Kingdom beef held in intervention stores on 30th April 1978 was £22,819,281. In addition, according to the most recent information provided by the Republic of Ireland, I understand that the value of intervention beef stored in the United Kingdom by the Republic is about £30.7 million.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the approximate value of current retail prices of the beef presently being held in EEC intervention stores throughout Great Britain.

Mr. Bishop

It is not possible to make such an accurate estimate because the value at retail level can only be determined once the beef has been sold. However, subject to final verification, the value of United Kingdom beef held by the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce in approved commercial stores in Great Britain on 30th April 1978 was £18,426,018. In addition, according to the most recent information provided by the Republic of Ireland, I understand that the value of intervention beef stored in Great Britain by the Republic is about £30.7 million.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much beef is held in the four intervention stores in Hull.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much beef is currently being held in the three EEC intervention stores in Grimsby.

Mr. Bishop

Beef is stored by the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce in approved commercial stores throughout the United Kingdom depending on availability and the location of the production point. For commercial and operational reasons the quantities of beef held in such stores is not published.