HC Deb 17 July 1997 vol 298 cc269-70W
16. Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for additional assistance to beef farmers. [7292]

Dr. Jack Cunningham

Substantial sums of money have already been spent on helping the industry. In the circumstances and in view of the need for tight control on public expenditure, I have no current plans to make additional payments to beef producers to compensate them for the relatively low level of beef prices.