§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to ensure that the beef served to members of the armed forces in each defence establishment and station is from the United Kingdom. [5011]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe procurement of food for the armed forces is contracted to the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes. My Department does not specify the source of origin from which NAAFI should obtain beef—or any other meat—but expects it to seek the best market price for the product. Based on current volumes and prevailing prices, a switch to British beef would cost an additional £1 million per financial year.