asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will seek EC approval for the introduction of intervention for full sides of beef and the renewal of aids for private storage in order to halt the collapse of beef cattle prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Beef Cattle Prices.
203.
I am concerned at the recent fall in beef cattle prices, though I should point out that they had been at unusually high levels in January. At the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 12 March I pressed for the reintroduction of intervention buying of sides to support the market. While the Commission who are responsible for such action were not prepared to reintroduce intervention, they undertook to examine ways of improving the situation as a matter of urgency.