§ 68. Sir A. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the export of meat and livestock from the United Kingdom to the Continent has been stimulated in recent weeks by the payment of import bonus or tax relief by member countries of the European Economic Community; and if, in view of the situation of the British meat industry, he will seek clarification of their future intent ions and make clear that Her Majesty's Government will take steps to protect the United Kingdom market at times when beef supplies are short of world demand.
§ Mr. SoamesThe strong market on the Continent and the difference between British and Continental prices provide the attraction for United Kingdom supplies of meat and livestock and there is no reason to think that exports have been particularly stimulated by measures taken in relation to imports by some members of the Six. As I made clear recently, the Government's view is that the national interest would not best be served at present by controlling exports.