Price gap between Irish and British beef expected to narrow

PRIME cattle prices are still sliding but, from May, supply pressure from Ireland might not be as marked as previously expected, writes The Scotsman.

Prices in Ireland are said to be moving up at the same time as British prices are declining. This should narrow the differential and make Irish beef slightly less competitive.

The Meat and Livestock Commission predicts lower numbers from April following the calf slaughter scheme which began in April 1996.

• The Scotsman 20/03/98 page 30