asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he is making with his beef stabilisation scheme; and whether he will make a statement.

Bilateral discussions with the Governments of our main suppliers of beef are still proceeding. We are not yet in a position to report their outcome.

Does the Minister agree that the Government's proposals for the beef stabilisation scheme involve a levy on imported beef? Does he further agree that no one has ever imposed a levy on imports that did not put up the price of food? Will he not agree that the Government's proposals for levies on imports will also put up the price of food?

We are attempting to stabilise the price of food, and of meat in particular. I recall that in a previous Question Hour the hon. Member demanded that prices be increased.