§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will initiate further discussions with the appropriate Minister in New Zealand to ensure that Great Britain imports eggs, butter, lamb and beef and farm produce; and whether Common Market rulings will permit this action on his part.
§ Mr. BishopIn recent weeks my right hon. Friend has discussed matters affecting New Zealand lamb and dairy exports to the EEC with the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Overseas Trade, Mr. Brian Talboys, and the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Duncan MacIntyre. Officials of my Department maintain close contacts with New Zealand officials and further ministerial discussions will take place whenever developments require them. There is nothing to prevent such discussions being held at any time. Decisions on import arrangements, which involve aspects of76W the Community's common commercial policy or common agricultural policy, must be taken by the Community as a whole.