§ Sir Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with (a) the European Community Commission, (b) the French Government and (c) the New Zealand Government about proposals for increased butter imports from New Zealand into the European Community following the agreement between France and New Zealand on the Rainbow Warrior incident; and what quantities will be imported (i) into the United Kingdom and (ii) into France.
§ Mr. GummerWe have had thorough discussions on this subject with our colleagues in the European Community, in particular during the Agriculture Council which my right hon. Friend the Minister chaired on 14–15 July. We have also discussed the question with visiting New Zealand Ministers in recent months.
The Council has to decide by 1 August 1986 on the quantities of butter which can be imported into the United Kingdom on special terms in 1987 and 1988. The Commission has proposed that the 1986 quantity of 79,000 tonnes should be reduced to 77,000 tonnes in 1987 and 75,000 tonnes in 1988. The question will be considered further by the Foreign Affairs Council next week.