§ 37. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reply he has given to the Danish Government's protest that the sale of British eggs in Western Germany contravenes Article 16 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; and the estimated cost to the British Exchequer in sub-sidising these exports.
Mr. Amory:The Danish Government were informed that it was not the intention of the United Kingdom Government to subsidise production of agricultural commodities for export; and that we should be prepared to discuss with them what action should be taken if it became clear that exports of eggs to Western Germany and other Continental countries were likely to continue on a scale which might seriously prejudice Danish interests. In accordance with G.A.T.T. procedure further discussions with the Danish Government about the position are due to take place shortly. The best estimate that can be made of the subsidy incurred on some 13.000 boxes of eggs exported to Western Germany during the first quarter of 1957 is approximately £50,000.