§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is his estimate of total beef consumption by volume, in the United Kingdom in each of the past three years; [6607]
(2) what is his estimate of the level of beef imports, by volume, to the United Kingdom in each of the past three years. [6608]
§ Mr. RookerInformation on the total level of actual beef consumption is not available. However, estimates of the total volume of beef available for domestic usage are available in "Quarterly supplies and domestic usage of meat in the United Kingdom, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.
Information on the volume of beef imports (in carcase weight equivalent) is available from the same source.
§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he has made to the communication he has received from Commissioner Bonino in respect of alleged illegal exportation of beef from the United Kingdom; what actions he proposes to initiate on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [7094]
Dr. CunninghamI replied immediately to Commissioner Bonino expressing my deep concern about the alleged illegal beef exports. I assured her that my officials were continuing their investigations into the allegations with the utmost speed and rigour in conjunction with the Commission's Anti-Fraud Unit and the Dutch authorities. I have placed a copy of the letter in the Library, of the House.