Beef Industry

HC Deb 27 November 1997 vol 301 c639W

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on prospects for the beef industry in Wales. [17636]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The government has continued to support various initiatives to help restore and improve consumer confidence in beef. As a result we have seen significant increases in the level of beef consumption. Every effort is being made to have the export ban lifted and that should see a further improvement in prospects for the industry. Nevertheless, the beef sector remains in long term structural surplus and reform of the CAP beef regime is essential.