HC Deb 22 January 1981 vol 997 c218W
17. Mr. John MacKay

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if any further modifications are planned to the operation of the European Economic Community sheepmeat regime.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

A review of the Community's sheep export policy is to take place before 31 March 1981 and I shall be seeking further improvements in relation to our export trade.

26. Mr. Colin Shepherd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the clawback arrangements for the export of sheepmeat to other members States of the European Economic Community are allowing this trade to proceed satisfactorily.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Our export trade has picked up from the very low levels experienced immediately following the start of the regime in October. A lower level of exports to Belgium and West Germany has been offset by a rise in exports to France. Exports to third countries have resumed since we succeeded in getting the clawback suspended on these exports at the beginning of December.

We shall continue to keep the matter under close review.