HC Deb 01 May 1975 vol 891 cc216-7W
Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of the people of England, Scotland and Wales are in receipt of social security benefits; and what were the proportions in 1965 and 1955.

Mr. Alec Jones,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 25th April 1975; Vol. 890, c. 418], circulated the following information:—

sentations have been made recently to the Common Market Commission concerning the proposed relaxation of the EEC ban on beef imports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any proposals to put to the Common Market Commission to end the ban on the import of beef.

Mr. Peart

There has never been a complete ban on beef imports into the EEC. Throughout 1974 frozen beef was imported into the Community under the GATT quota and an increased GATT quota was agreed for 1975. The restrictions on beef imports have been further relaxed in two important respects during the last few weeks. As part of the Lomé Convention, provision has been made for beef imports to be resumed from four developing countries; and between June and September this year up to 50,000 tons of beef may be imported into the EEC on the condition that a similar tonnage of beef has been exported. The question of import restrictions on beef was discussed at the meeting of the EEC Agriculture Ministers on 29th April. As I told the House today I welcomed the new import-export arrangements as a further step in the relaxation of the restrictions.