HC Deb 12 July 1990 vol 176 cc333-4W
Mr. John P. Smith

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to improve stability in the beef market.

Mr. Curry

The European Community beef regime contains provision for special safety net intervention arrangements which apply when the market is particularly depressed. These measures are now in operation and the European Commission has so far agreed to buy into intervention over 11,000 tonnes of steer beef at a purchase cost of some £25 million in the United Kingdom. This, coupled with the recent extension of intervention coverage in Great Britain by the addition of sub-class 03 steer beef, is helping to sustain the market.

Mr. John P. Smith

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to extend intervention in the beef market to include 03 graded beef.

Mr. Curry

At our request, at the beef management committee on 15 June 1990 a proposal was adopted adding steer beef sub-class 03 to intervention coverage in Great Britain. As a result this grade of beef is now eligible for intervention.

Mr. John P. Smith

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to extend intervention buying in the beef market to include maiden heifer beef.

Mr. Curry

There is no provision in the Community regime to purchase heifer beef into intervention in any circumstances.