Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has made any representations to the Commission of the European Communities about the beef industry in Northern Ireland; whether he is prepared to give additional assistance to the beef industry; what representations he has received about the beef industry; and if he will make a statement about the present state of the beef industry.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomley[holding answer 11 January 1990]: The Government are aware of the concerns being expressed about the current state of the beef industry in Northern Ireland. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had preliminary discussions with the Ulster Farmers Union on the matter and I intend to have a further meeting with the union shortly.
In the light of discussions with the union we will consider what action, including representations to the Commission of the European Communities through my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, might be taken to alleviate the concerns expressed.