HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 cc1704-5
20. Mr. Godber

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much the imports of beef from the Irish Republic have increased since the signing of the agreement establishing a Free Trade Area.

Mr. Peart

Beef imports from the Irish Republic over the nine months ending March, 1967, were 47,800 tons as compared with 29,800 tons over the same period ending March, 1966.

Mr. Godber

Does the Minister now agree that that figure at least is a direct result of the agreement to which he has referred in replying to the last two Questions? Further, can he tell the House what steps he will take to encourage the larger importation of Irish stores rather than finished beasts, because that is what farmers in this country want? Finally, will he acknowledge that it is the treaty which has increased the gloom among farmers, rather than anything said by right hon. and hon. Gentleman on this side of the House?

Mr. Peart

The right hon. Gentleman is quite right when he refers to the need for more Irish stores. That is what we had in the treaty. I think that the figure was 638,000. The problem last year was that they came to this country as fats rather than as stores. I am anxious to prevent this, but it had nothing to do with the treaty.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Does the Minister appreciate that payments under the Free Trade Agreement have been used by the Republican Government to subsidise their dead meat trade, which has affected that trade adversely in Ulster?

Mr. Peart

I do not think that Ulster factories have been affected by it. There are other factors. This has been stressed in Stormont, and I met a deputation. If the hon. and learned Gentleman can give me any facts and figures, I will look into the position.

Mr. Godber

Will the Minister not admit that the subsidies last autumn must have been the direct result of the treaty which he signed? He cannot get out of that.

Mr. Peart

I will not admit that. The subsidies have nothing to do with the treaty. They could have had a subsidy without the treaty. It was not included in the treaty. I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will look at the treaty and examine it carefully. It is obvious that he does not know anything about it.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

In view of the indignation which has been expressed by right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite about the Irish treaty, does my right hon. Friend expect further indignation if we happen to go into the Common Market?

Mr. Peart

I do not think that right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite would express indignation about that. They are only indignant when they wish to attack Eire.