§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether, in the light of the fact that the variable premium scheme for the beef industry in Northern Ireland is currently not achieving either of its objectives, and that the total return for beef in Northern Ireland is currently about £40 per head below the target price, he will propose structural changes in the scheme and seek the consent of the EEC Commission to such changes.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw[pursuant to his reply, 30 October 1980, c. 368]: No. Any approach to the Community must be based on a common United Kingdom view and the position is being continually monitored. The general market situation is such that producer returns have remained below the intervention support level in spite of payments to producers of the beef premium of £35 per animal and the steps taken substantially to increase beef intervention buying in Northern Ireland.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make representations to the EEC Commission to take steps to curb and reduce imports of beef and livestock to the EEC from third countries, in view of the slump in the beef industry in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw[pursuant to his reply, 30 October, c. 368]: There are no present plans to do so. These imports arise from the Community's international obligations.