§ 42. Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the present state of the sheep industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe increase in the size of the breeding flock indicates a satisfactory level of confidence among producers. I am aware of concerns about the review of the sheepmeat regime. We consider that the regime has worked to the benefit of producers and consumers in this country and see no need for major changes, although we need improvements to ease our export problems. In considering the Commission's proposals, I have made it clear that the arrangements must continue to take full account of the fact that the United Kingdom is the Community's major producer and consumer of sheepmeat.