FARMING PRACTICE AND FOOD POLICY

Early day motion 479, tabled 22 March 2001 by Howard Stoate (Labour). Signed by 36 members.

That this House believes that the latest crisis in agriculture provides further evidence that the structure and practice of the livestock industry from farmer through processor to retailer lends itself to ambiguous trading relationships which do not act in the public interest or the interest of consumers, farmers and other stakeholders; notes that the additional costs to farmers of meeting required animal welfare and environmental standards is not reflected in their returns; and calls on the Government to undertake a full review to highlight the need for transparency of price formation throughout the food chain.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Liberal Democrat 5, Conservative 3, Labour/Co-operative 3, UUP 2.