HC Deb 10 November 1983 vol 48 cc401-2
10. Mr. Nicholson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce measures to mitigate the serious effects on the Northern Ireland dairy sector of the current European Community proposals.

Mr. Butler

It is too early to say what, if any, measures might be necessary. Negotiations are still a long way from completion. I think we would be wise to wait for the outcome of the Athens summit and the price fixing thereafter.

Mr. Nicholson

Does the Minister accept that any further erosion of agriculture in Northern Ireland would have a dangerous and damaging effect not only on agriculture but on its ancillary industries? Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to resist further damage to grass-based sectors of agriculture, mainly in the milk and dairy sector?

Mr. Butler

There is little doubt that the Northern Ireland dairy producer would tend to suffer worse than any if the proposals were to go through in their original form. However, it is important to wait and see what is finally negotiated. If it is necessary to take some balancing action, the Government will have to consider that in the light of events as they develop.

Mr. William Ross

In view of the recent reports that the EC is cooking the books on the rebate sought by the Prime Minister, does the Secretary of State believe that the Common Market will be sympathetic to the proposals on Northern Ireland agriculture, and will we not eventually be forced back on national measures to defend our industry?

Mr. Butler

What is important, first, is that the Commission should be aware of the impact of any proposals on United Kingdom agriculture as a whole and also on Northern Ireland agriculture. My noble Friend the Earl of Mansfield, who is responsible for these measures in Northern Ireland, is ensuring that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture is aware of the position.

Mr. John David Taylor

Does the Minister accept that, no matter what the final outcome of the EC negotiations, there will be a curtailment of milk production? That being so, and as Northern Ireland milk producers have no alternative means of livelihood such as is available to producers elsewhere in Europe, will the Minister ensure that at this stage their special circumstances are taken into account by our Government in the negotiations?

Mr. Butler

The answer to the latter part of the question is in what I said a moment ago. There is overcapacity and an over-supply in milk, which is proving far too expensive. Some measures have to be taken to curtail production.

Mr. Soley

Will the Minister give us an assurance that he will not go beyond the requirements of the European Court and previous commitments by the British Government by letting in sterilised milk and unfrozen pasturised cream as well as UHT milk—a policy which is causing considerable anxiety?

Mr. Butler

I am aware of the anxiety on that point, which is a somewhat different matter. The Government have made their position clear. We have had to accept the ruling of the Court. We are taking measures to ensure that there is no risk to human health through the importation of that very restricted group of milk products.