§ 34. Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the present state of the beef industry.
§ Mr. CurryThe beef breeding herd is at its highest level for a decade. Last year there was a rise of 9 per cent. over 1988. The devaluation of the green pound agreed in the price fixing will further assist the industry by increasing the value of the beef special premium and the support provided by intervention; and, through lower monetary compensatory amounts, beef exports should be stimulated and the impact of imports on the market reduced.