§ 2. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Minister of Food if the arrangements in process for the expansion of food supplies from Eire to Great Britain have been completed; if Customs and other impediments to a maximum supply of food from Eire have been modified; and if the recent agreement with Eire contained provision for an expansion of reciprocal trade relations between the two countries, with a view to increasing food imports from Eire, and exports from Great Britain to Eire.
§ Dr. SummerskillExcept for a few details the arrangements on food imports from Eire, which were the subject of discussion with Eire ministers last November, are complete. My right hon. Friend knows of no impediments to an expansion of food exports from Eire. As announced at the conclusion of the meetings on 4th November, practical steps necessary to achieve an increased exchange of goods between the two countries were then agreed.
§ Sir P. HannonIs it not of the greatest importance to the food supplies of the people of this country that we should have the most intimate relations with the Irish Ministry of Agriculture in order to make the supplies to this country reach the highest possible level?
§ Dr. SummerskillI fully agree with the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeCan my hon. Friend assure us that the arrangements are such as will prevent farmers in the South of Ireland smuggling livestock over the artificial and absurd Border which has been created between the North and South, in order to make more money out of their sales?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe did not forget that factor in the discussions.
§ Sir Ronald RossHave any proposals been made by the Eire Government to achieve this worthy object by applying rationing to themselves?
§ Dr. SummerskillThat is for the Government of Eire to decide.
§ 17. Mr. Toucheasked the Minister of Food why the Ministry pay the Argentine a higher price for canned stewed steak than it is prepared to offer to Irish canners, although Irish stewed steak is of superior quality; and whether he will endeavour to obtain larger supplies from Eire by offering the same price as that offered to the Argentine.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe hon. Member must be misinformed. We are not buying any canned stewed steak from the Argentine. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.