HC Deb 11 February 1987 vol 110 c269W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the number of cows which will require to be slaughtered when the EEC milk package is implemented; and what impact he estimates this will have on the beef cattle prices.

Mr. John Mackay

The European Commission has estimated that across the Community up to the spring of next year 500,000 dairy cows may be culled as a result of the agreement reached by the Agriculture Council in December. The impact on the beef market will depend on various factors, including the effectiveness of market management measures for which 435 mecus have been allocated.