asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the present market return to beef producers; and if he will make a statement.

Market prices of cattle in the United Kingdom so far this autumn have been just over eight per cent. higher than in the same period last year. Store cattle prices have shown similar increases and calf prices even greater ones. The improved support arrangements for beef that we negotiated in the 1982 common agricultural policy prices settlement have also helped as have the record high levels of hill livestock allowances.