31.   Calls for a return to intervention buying by the EU, where Brussels buys beef to support dipping prices, were also being considered.

32.   Chan Tak, whose beef stall in an open market in Wanchai was deserted Thursday, said that even big price cuts could not tempt customers to buy beef.

33.   Manuel Rocha, executive-director of the National Meat Inspection Commission, admitted that the Philippines rarely buys beef from the United Kingdom in any case.