HC Deb 26 March 1969 vol 780 cc1614-5
33. Mr. Henry Clark

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on his recent meetings in London with members of the Government of the Irish Republic on the export of meat and milk products from the Irish Republic to the United Kingdom.

Mr. John Mackie

Discussions between British Ministers and Ministers of the Irish Republic in recent months have covered a wide field. During these discussions, agreement was reached on the quota for butter from the Irish Republic for 1969–70 and on participation by the Irish Republic in arrangements for voluntary restraint of exports to the British market of cheddar and cheddar-type cheese. It was agreed that there should be further talks at official level about the trade in cattle and beef.

Mr. Clark

During his discussions, did the hon. Gentleman deal with the point that the means of payment of the agricultural subsidy under the Anglo-Irish trade agreement by the Southern Irish Government gives an edge to their meat factories and puts Northern Irish meat factories out of business? One out of four closed down just the other day.

Mr. Mackie

The Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement covered a broad front, including agricultural produce. We know the difficulty which has arisen because of the bias in favour of Irish meat producers. We are looking into that. Discussions took place yesterday. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture is quick in getting the results of discussions, but it cannot be done today.

Mr. Stodart

In view of the admitted dislocation which has taken place, particularly in the cheese market, caused by the Irish trade agreement, would the hon. Gentleman agree with the statement made by the Prime Minister that the Irish trade agreement would in no way harm or prejudice the position of our farmers?

Mr. Mackie

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's premise that things have been as badly upset as he suggests. This is a voluntary agreement. I know that the hon. Gentleman is not a milk producer, but if he consults milk producers he will find that the effects of the cheddar cheese situation last summer have not been all that great on milk prices.

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