§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the loss of income sustained by the Scottish beef sector as a result of(a) the continuation of the BSE export ban, (b) increased cost relating to public health measures in response to the BSE outbreak and (c) fluctuations in market prices for livestock in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98. [25238]
§ Mr. Macdonald[holding answer 26 January 1998]: It is difficult to isolate the impact of BSE from other factors affecting the beef sector. However, the results of 177W the Annual Survey of Farm Accounts show that sales revenue of a specialist beef farm in Scotland's Less-Favoured Area in 1996–97 was down by an average of £4,000 on the previous year. Projections for 1997–98 will be published on January 30.
§ Mr. SwinneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to discuss mechanisms for the early return of Scottish beef to world export markets with European agriculture ministers. [25206]
§ Mr. MacdonaldMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State maintains a keen interest in BSE matters and the European Commission have been made well aware of the interests of the Scottish beef industry. My noble Friend, Lord Sewel, discusses the lifting of the beef export ban with other European agriculture ministers when he attends EU Agriculture Councils. He discussed the Scottish position with Commissioners Fischler and Bonino when they visited London on 8 January and takes every available opportunity to press Scotland's case.
§ Mr. SwinneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will invite European Union agriculture ministers to meet representatives of the Scottish farming industry to discuss the Scottish beef industry; and if he will make a statement. [25207]
§ Mr. MacdonaldMy right hon. Friend has no current plans to invite European Union Agriculture Ministers to meet representatives of the Scottish farming industry to discuss the Scottish beef industry.