§ Mr. Cryerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what prosecutions are currently being undertaken which arise from the substitution of prime beef on which European Economic Community subsidies for exports are being paid by inferior meat.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithInquiries are proceeding into the suspected misdescription of other types of meat as beef for the purpose of obtaining export refunds, but it is too early to say whether prosecutions will result.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the total payments made to United Kingdom butchers selling beef to non-European Community markets in 1981 and 1982; what scrutiny is made of these payments and the quality of the meat subject to subsidy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithExport refunds on beef and veal amounted to £49.4 million in 1981 and £42.1 million in 1982. It is not possible to specify the proportions paid to butchers. Payments are made irrespective of quality, on certification by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise that the meat has been correctly described.