asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he is aware of an allegation, notified to his Department, that a journalist saw the removal of and changing of stamps, dressings, and labels on beef carcasses in a plant (details supplied) on 12-13 January 1989; and if he will state the outcome of his investigations into this matter.

I am informed by my Department that a journalist submitted a number of queries to an official of the Department in relation to the alleged incident. Inquiries, which have not yet been concluded, are under way in the Department arising from the queries submitted.