§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the country of origin of beef sold to UK forces(a) in the UK, (b) in Gibraltar, (c) in the Falkland Islands, (d) in Kosovo and (e) in Bosnia; and if he will make a statement. [102456]
§ Mr. KilfoyleThe supply of food to our Armed Forces in the UK and overseas is contracted out. My Department does not specify the source from which our contractors should obtain beef (or any other products) but expects them to seek the best market price, whilst giving full consideration to British products. The beef currently supplied to our Armed Forces based in the UK is 100 per cent. British beef. The beef supplied for our service personnel based in Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, Kosovo and Bosnia is presently sourced primarily from Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Brazil.