asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantity of beef has been bought by intervention in the EEC since 1st January 1973; and what stocks thus bought are now held in store.

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Walthamstow, West (Mr. Deakins) on 1st February 1974.—[Vol. 868, c. 168.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will give an assurance that beef will not be bought for storage by the United Kingdom Intervention Board in 1974.

No, Sir. To do so would remove the assurance which producers need if they are to maintain production and supplies at levels which will prevent a shortage developing and prices rising.