§ Mr. Gouldasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the current level of imports of dairy produce from beyond the European Community.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John MacGregor)The Community's imports of regulated agricultural products reflect the trading arrangements negotiated between the Community and third countries. I do not think it realistic to press for more liberal access to the Community market for dairy products. given the present levels of production in the Community.
§ Mr. GouldHow can the Minister justify to the British consumer the progressive exclusion from the British market by the EC of low-priced New Zealand butter?
§ Mr. MacGregorWe have made it clear in the Agriculture Council that we consider the quantities proposed by the Commission for the next five years to be neither fair nor reasonable. The Community has a commitment not to deprive New Zealand of essential outlets, and we are pressing for that commitment to be honoured.