HC Deb 12 June 1997 vol 295 c534W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the NFU on the decline in the price of beef in the UK market. [3038]

Mr. Rooker

The matter of beef prices was most recently discussed when our right hon. Friend, the Minister, met the NFU on 3 June.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are his Department's forecasts of the amount of beef that it is expected will be held in intervention in each of the next four years. [3039]

Mr. Rooker

The extent to which UK beef will be purchased into intervention over the next four years will depend upon the state of the EU and UK beef markets and the rules governing access to intervention. The Department has not attempted to make forecasts over such a long timescale in this difficult area.