§ Mr. Ripponasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to open negotiations to establish a European Community sheepmeat regime; and what action he proposes to take to end the present French discrimination against British sheepmeat exports in favour of Irish exports.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithNegotiations on the European Commission's proposals of last year for a common market organisation in sheepmeat are continuing. The
United Kingdom imports '000 tonnes Pork Bacon and ham Canned pig products 1974 … … … … 7.3 298.5 110.4 1975 … … … … 16.3 287.4 114.6 1976 … … … … 12.4 269.2 128.9 1977 … … … … 16.2 286.9 128.4 1978 … … … … 38.6 303.5 127.8 The system of monetary compensatory amounts in this sector gives imports a competitive advantage and this has been an important factor affecting the level of trade.