§ Mr. Buckasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the import arrangements for butter for the period beginning 1st April, 1972.
§ Mr. NobleBecause of the supply situation the quota arrangements for imports of butter have been supplemented throughout the current year by open individual licensing from all sources except Southern Rhodesia. After consultation with our major suppliers the Government have decided that these arrangements should continue from 1st April, 1972, individual country quota allocations being written in at the same rate as for 1971–72. These arrangements would be superseded on 1st February, 1973, by the application of the common agricultural policy of the enlarged European Economic Community. Similarly for near butters and substances containing butter fat, and for ghee, specific licences supplementary to the annual global quotas will continue to be issued. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will keep the market situation under review. Notices to importers giving details of the arrangements for butter, near butters and ghee will be published shortly.