§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated percentage of meat imported into the United Kingdom which is supplied by the Irish Republic; how this compares with the percentage for the same period in the previous year; and if he is satisfied that common agricultural policy subsidies are not being used by the Eire Government to the disadvantage of the British beef producer.
640W
§ Mr. BishopThe proportion of United Kingdom imported beef supplies which came from the Irish Republic during the last two years is as follows:
Period January—September 1973 1974 15.25 per cent. 35.5 per cent. The increase in the Irish proportion this year reflects the very considerable reduction in imports of beef from non-EEC countries. The use which the Government of the Irish Republic make of funds accruing to them under CAP arrangements is subject to the agreement of the Community. I have no evidence that the system is being manipulated by the Government of the Irish Republic to the disadvantage of beef producers in the United Kingdom.