§ 60. Mr. McBrideasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, consequent on the proposals to impose levies on imported food, he has had consultations with the Governments of New Zealand and Australia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RipponYes. We have begun consultations with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand; and also with those of Argentina, Canada, Denmark, the Irish Republic and the United States. We are having multilateral talks today on our proposals for beef and veal with the Governments of the countries which are our main suppliers, and with others interested in the trade. One of our objects is to minimise the disturbance to trade. We intend to achieve this object through the consultations and negotiations which we are engaged in.