§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the level of consumer confidence in British beef in the United Kingdom; and if he will bring this information to the attention of the Council of Agriculture Ministers. [7297]
§ Mr. MorleyWe have seen significant improvements in the level of beef consumption since March 1996. Most recently McDonald's and Burger King have announced that they will be using British beef again. We see this as further evidence that confidence in British beef is returning. The level of consumption will no doubt feature in discussion at future Councils of Agriculture Ministers.