HC Deb 02 February 1966 vol 723 cc239-40W
118. Mr. Prior

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations have been made to him by apple growers on the subject of the Anglo-Irish trade agreement.

Mr. Peart

One growers' marketing organisation has written to me expressing concern at the position of our apple industry in the light of the trade agreement. However, the new arrangements guarantee that there will be facilities for the export of 3,000 tons of apples between the beginning of August and the end of February at a maximum duty of 1d. per 1b.; that additional exports between those dates will be unrestricted in quantity and subject to a duty of not more than 2d. per 1b. irrespective of any higher rate of duty that may be charged on apples from other countries; and that exports between the beginning of March and the end of July will be duty-free and unrestricted. The National Farmers' Union have been kept well informed during the negotiations of the arrangements relating to horticulture, and their views were taken fully into account.

119. Mr. Prior

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with the National Farmers' Union on the effects of the Anglo-Irish trade agreement on home agriculture; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart

The National Farmers' Union have been kept well informed of the arrangements relating to agriculture in the Anglo-Irish free trade area agreement. They made frequent representations and their views were taken fully into account in arriving at the Agreement. I am satisfied that there will be no damage to our own farmers and growers from it.