Would the Minister not accept that the question as framed did not imply a request for compensation? Would he not accept that the measure, which I support, was brought before the House? An undertaking was given to the beef industry that great benefits would accrue from the banning of hormones. Today will he accept that those benefits have not accrued?

I have to note that the Progressive Democrats Party in the person of Deputy Geraldine Kennedy, who cannot be said to be involved in what might be called a farm producing area, raised this question on 16 December 1987 and now, significantly, Deputy Wyse, who does not come from a rural constituency, is raising the same question.

That is not true.

It is.

He represents a rural area.

I suggest that the advice which is coming to the Progressive Democrats Party from a certain consultant is not in the national interest or in the interest of the party either. Perhaps they will tell that consultant who has gone on public record from time to time——

I want to deal with Question No. 2. I ask for the co-operation of Members in making some progress at Question Time. I am not prepared to dwell unduly long on any one question.