THE defence of British beef is the over-riding concern of the people of Chagford, says the Conservative Association which has recently canvassed electors in the area to find out their opinions on such issues as Europe, farming, countryside and the Government.

Every person on the Chagford electoral roll was surveyed and Conservative spokesman for West Devon Ian Liddell-Grainger said there was strong criticism of the Government's mid term performance with less than 15 per cent registering approval or satisfaction.

He said there was a widespread rejection on the Government's policies on agriculture and disgust at the level of support given to British beef in the current crisis. Over 90 per cent answered 'no' to whether enough is being done to support home agriculture.

Over 85 per cent of people felt that national politics towards the countryside were unacceptable and that the Government did not understand the countryside and environmental issues at all.

The question of Europe showed opinion to be equally divided — half of Chagford believing Britain should play no part in the European Union and the other half felt the country should adopt the leadership role or at least take a positive stance as an equal member given the current crisis.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said much more encouraging over 40 per of the same sample felt that rural services to the villages around Chagford by local government were adequate.

'We are delighted with this result,' said the Conservative spokesman. 'The returns have bettered all expectations and show that the people of Chagford are well ahead of public opinion in the matters that affect them and the British people.

'There is no doubt that we must continue to pressurise Government to find solutions to the problems that affect this area.'