§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports his Department obtains regarding prosecutions by local authorities for offences under the Beef Stocks Transfer Scheme; and if he will make a statement. [2808]
§ Mr. RookerThe Beef Stocks Transfer Scheme is a non-statutory scheme administered by the Intervention Board and enforceable on claimants by contract. The Scheme contains no offence provisions. Activities of companies engaged by the Board in connection with its administration responsibilities are covered by normal criminal law. To date we have had no reports of any prosecutions.